Effective rostering software plays an important role in helping NDIS Providers adapt to the challenges of running a disability support service, especially in a digital age. If you’re already a provider or planning to start a business—this guide is for you.
Rostering software is integral for helping NDIS Providers save time, reduce the risk of no-shows, and effectively manage their staff and Participants. If you’ve been working in the NDIS space, you know how life-saving good management is.
Coordinating care for Participants can become a challenge, especially if you don’t have the right systems or software in place. It can get challenging when the requirements of a Participant can vary greatly due to their disability and situation.
This is why digital scheduling software is a game-changer for the industry. Features like helping connect the right Participants with Support Workers, convenient timesheets, built-in communication, and payroll accuracy increase the quality of care Providers can offer.
For example, with digital scheduling software, Support Workers won’t need to call the office every time to ask where they’re working. Instead, staff can just check an app connected to the software to see where they’re working, accept shifts, and get all the details they need from one place.
Why Effective Scheduling & Rostering Is Important For NDIS Providers
Below, we’ve listed reasons why effective scheduling and rostering are important for NDIS Providers. Not only is it critical for the needs of the Participant and providing quality care, but it also ensures staff satisfaction and the success of the business.
Consistency
Consistency through effective scheduling is essential for assigning the same staff with a Participant. This familiarity builds trust and rapport and is especially important if the Participant is living with a disability like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where change can be stressful.
Compliance
Proper scheduling is crucial for maintaining compliance with NDIS requirements. Effective scheduling means accurate documentation, which is important for audits and reviews. Incorrect documents can lead to non-conformities.
Efficiency
Effective NDIS rostering software is crucial for operational efficiency. Proper scheduling helps with maintaining costs by avoiding unnecessary overtime, cutting down the hours it takes to create a roster, and ensuring optimal use of staff resources.
Staff satisfaction
Balanced rosters from effective scheduling are essential for staff satisfaction and retention. Poorly made rosters or shift changes at the last minute can lead to dissatisfaction and lower morale.
Performance tracking
The use of digital scheduling software allows for data-driven decision-making through performance tracking, like staff performance.
Effective scheduling and rostering systems are crucial for an NDIS provider to ensure high-quality care and regulatory compliance. Without a good system, it could lead to scheduling errors, lack of consistency, and lower Participant quality of service.
How NDIS Scheduling & Rostering Software Simplifies The Process
NDIS software, like CareMaster, can improve efficiency and accuracy through automated scheduling based on staff availability, Participant needs, and service requirements—drastically reducing the time and effort compared to manual scheduling.
Many NDIS software solutions can provide real-time updates within the program itself. For example, with some software, it’s possible to send real-time alerts to staff and Participants about schedule changes, or the provider can receive a notification about cancellations or last-minute adjustments
NDIS software also keeps records of all scheduling and rostering, which is crucial for compliance with NDIS regulations. It also ensures all shifts comply with NDIS rules, including working hours, awards, break times, and Participant-specific requirements.
The software also simplifies the process by making it easier to connect Participants with the right Support Worker. This is because you can easily keep track of staff availability, qualifications, and preference; Matching these with the needs of the Participant.
It’s also possible to get software that provides Participant-centred scheduling. This is where it integrates the Participant’s care plan and preferences into the scheduling process.
Most NDIS software includes integration with other systems and mobile access. For example, the CareMaster software also includes mobile apps for Support Workers and Participants that connect with the provider’s software so they can access care plans and information on the go.
Key Features To Look For In NDIS Scheduling & Rostering Software
When selecting an NDIS rostering software, it’s important to consider a few factors. These include the services your NDIS organisation is providing, the scope of your business, and your price range.
The main key features we recommend looking out for include:
- Real-time notification support for Providers regarding availability changes and cancelled shifts
- Ability to track the status of supports, as checked (by a coordinator), confirmed by Participant, or cancelled
- Allow for Support Workers to accept/deny shifts
- Customise the SMS and email notifications for work available to Support Workers
- Integrated app support so the Provider, Support Worker, and Participant can easily communicate with each other
- The ability for Support Workers to set their availability
- A broadcast feature to support work to one or more Support Workers to notify them of available work
- The ability to assign specific Support Workers to a Participant
- Ability to create recurring or pattern bookings (daily/weekly/monthly)
- The ability to use the software across different platforms (eg: mobile and PC)
- Generate reports to show the hours and type of work done by an employee
- Ability to quickly cancel/delete bookings
- Check for positive reviews for the software and developers
When looking for NDIS scheduling and rostering software, it’s also essential to consider adaptability and scalability. For example, if you’re planning to grow in the future—you want to be sure the software can grow with you.
Security and privacy are also features you should look out for when deciding on which NDIS software to go with. The software must feature data protection procedures to protect sensitive Participant and staff information.
We also recommend finding software with access control settings. This way, you can provide role-based access to authorised personnel who can access specific information or features.
A user-friendly interface is also important. You want software that features an intuitive design with an easy-to-use interface. A bonus is if the software allows for customisation for accessibility.
Book A Free Demo To Experience CareMaster’s NDIS Scheduling & Rostering Software
If you’re looking for specialised software that covers all of your NDIS organisation’s administrative needs, think CareMaster. We offer flexible pricing packages and a free demo of the CareMaster software by a member of the team.
Specialised software is crucial for running any business, including for NDIS organisations. CareMaster can reduce the risk of no-shows or staff overscheduling. It can also be used to securely track staff and Participants, ensuring everything is going smoothly.
The rostering and administrative capabilities in CareMaster are also great at reducing the risk of human error. Also, thanks to it all being done digitally—you won’t have to worry about accidentally double-booking or writing down the wrong date. Alerts, reminds and notifications will keep your team on track and error free.
The software also allows easy communication between all parties, from the provider to Support Workers and Participants. For a look at all the rostering and administrative features in our application, head on over to our website.
We also offer training and support for our software. So, if you need any help navigating the software or have any concerns, the CareMaster team would be happy to answer any queries you may have.
