NDIS Worker Screening is an important safety check for people who work with people with disability.
It is designed to assess whether a worker poses a risk to people with disability. The check is carried out by a state or territory worker screening unit, and the outcome is either that the worker is cleared or excluded from working in certain roles. NDIS Worker Screening is nationally recognised and is valid for up to five years, unless it is cancelled or revoked earlier.
At Careseekers, all workers are required to complete NDIS Worker Screening as part of the platform’s verification and compliance process.
Why NDIS Worker Screening matters
When you are choosing a support worker, safety and trust matter.
NDIS Worker Screening is one of the key checks that helps reduce the risk of harm to people with disability. It gives participants, families and coordinators added confidence that an important safety screening process has been completed.
It is not the only thing to look at, but it is one important part of choosing the right worker.
Is NDIS Worker Screening the same as a police check?
No. NDIS Worker Screening and a police check are not the same thing.
An NDIS Worker Screening Check is a broader risk assessment carried out by the worker screening unit in the worker’s state or territory. A police check is a separate check. The NDIA’s guidance for people directly engaging workers recommends looking for both a current National Police Clearance and an NDIS Worker Screening Check.
That means a police check is important, but it does not replace NDIS Worker Screening.
Who needs NDIS Worker Screening?
Registered NDIS providers must make sure workers in certain risk-assessed roles have an NDIS Worker Screening clearance, unless an exception applies. Unregistered providers and self-managed participants can also choose to ask workers to get an NDIS Worker Screening clearance.
At Careseekers, all workers are required to complete NDIS Worker Screening.
How does it work?
A worker applies through the worker screening unit in the state or territory where they live. They should only apply in one jurisdiction. Once the check is completed, the worker’s status is recorded in the national NDIS worker screening database. Future organisations can confirm the worker’s status using that record rather than asking the worker to start again each time.
How long does NDIS Worker Screening last?
An NDIS Worker Screening clearance is valid for up to five years from the date of issue, unless it is cancelled or revoked earlier. Workers can apply to renew it up to 90 days before it expires.
Does a worker also need a Working With Children Check?
Sometimes. The NDIS Commission says some jobs will also require a Working With Children Check, and workers should confirm this with their state or territory worker screening unit.
What this means for you on Careseekers
If you are choosing a worker through Careseekers, NDIS Worker Screening is one of the checks already built into the platform’s verification process.
That means you can spend less time trying to work out the basics and more time focusing on:
- whether the worker has the right experience
- whether they can provide the support you need
- whether they feel like the right fit
Frequently asked questions
What is NDIS Worker Screening?
It is a formal safety check that assesses whether a worker poses a risk to people with disability. The outcome is either cleared or excluded for certain roles.
Is NDIS Worker Screening the same as a police check?
No. They are different checks. A police check does not replace NDIS Worker Screening.
How long is NDIS Worker Screening valid?
Up to five years, unless it is cancelled or revoked earlier.
Is NDIS Worker Screening recognised across Australia?
Yes. It is nationally recognised, so workers do not need to reapply just because they move to another state or territory.
Do all Careseekers workers have NDIS Worker Screening?
Yes. All workers on Careseekers are required to complete NDIS Worker Screening.
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