NDIS Worker Screening Check

The national clearance disability support workers need for risk-assessed roles.

Who fills it in

Workers in risk-assessed roles with registered providers, and the key personnel of providers.

When you’d use it

Before starting in a role that requires it, and to keep a current, valid clearance.

How to submit it

Apply through your state or territory’s worker screening unit (linked from the NDIS Commission). You’ll usually need your employer’s NDIS ID before you apply.

What it is

The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a national clearance that shows a person has been assessed as not presenting an unacceptable risk of harm to people with disability. It's the standard safety check for people working in certain roles across the NDIS.

It's different from a general police check. The Worker Screening Check draws on a broader range of information and is designed specifically for the disability support sector, and it's overseen through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

What it does

The check helps keep NDIS participants safe by making sure the people supporting them have been assessed against nationally consistent criteria. A clearance is portable, so once you have it you can generally use it across different registered providers rather than starting again with each new job.

Clearances are valid for a set period and then need to be renewed. Screening units can also monitor cleared workers over time, so a clearance can be reviewed if new information comes to light.

Who needs to use it

The check is required for people in risk-assessed roles with registered NDIS providers, such as roles involving direct contact with participants or access to their information. It also applies to the key personnel of registered providers, like directors and managers.

If you're a support worker looking for work with registered providers, or a provider bringing new staff on board, you'll likely need this check. Whether a specific role is risk-assessed can depend on the provider and the nature of the work.

When and how to use it

Apply before you start in a risk-assessed role, and allow time for the assessment to be completed. You apply through the worker screening unit in your own state or territory, which you can reach via the NDIS Commission website.

You usually need to link your application to your employer's NDIS registration, so it helps to have your employer's NDIS provider ID ready. Some states let you begin work under supervision while your application is being processed, depending on local rules.

About the NDIS Worker Screening Check

How do I apply for an NDIS Worker Screening Check?
Apply through the worker screening unit in your state or territory, which you can find linked from the NDIS Commission website. You'll usually need to verify your identity and link your application to your employer's NDIS registration, so it helps to have your employer's NDIS provider ID ready before you start. Fees and processing times vary between states and territories.
Is the Worker Screening Check the same as a police check?
No. The NDIS Worker Screening Check is different from a general police check. It's designed specifically for the disability sector and draws on a broader range of information to assess whether someone poses an unacceptable risk of harm to people with disability. A police check on its own doesn't meet the requirement for risk-assessed roles with registered NDIS providers.
Who needs a Worker Screening Check?
People in risk-assessed roles with registered NDIS providers need one, particularly roles involving direct contact with participants or access to their information. Key personnel of registered providers, such as directors and managers, also need clearance. Whether a particular role is risk-assessed depends on the provider and the nature of the work, so check with your employer if you're unsure.
Is my clearance portable between employers?
Yes. Once you hold a clearance it's generally portable across registered NDIS providers, so you don't need a brand new check for each job. You typically link your clearance to each new employer through the worker screening system. Keep in mind the clearance is valid for a set period and must be renewed before it expires to stay current.
Can I work while my application is being processed?
It depends on your state or territory. Some allow you to begin in a risk-assessed role under supervision while your application is assessed, while others require a clearance before you start. Check the rules for your location and talk with your employer, as they're responsible for making sure workers meet screening requirements before doing risk-assessed work.

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