NDIS Worker Screening Check: requirements for workers and providers

What the Check is

The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a national process designed to assess whether a person poses a risk to people with disability. It provides a consistent approach to worker screening across Australia.

This check is a requirement for workers undertaking risk-assessed roles and delivering NDIS supports. These workers must be engaged by a registered NDIS provider.

The introduction of this national check replaced the previous system of state-by-state disability worker checks for NDIS workers, effective from 1 February 2021. Workers who pass the screening check are added to the NDIS Worker Screening Database.

Who needs one

The NDIS requires certain workers to undergo a screening check. This applies to workers in ‘risk-assessed roles’ as defined within the NDIS Practice Standards. These roles generally include those directly delivering supports to people accessing the NDIS, supervisory roles overseeing workers providing supports, and key personnel within registered NDIS provider organisations.

Registered NDIS providers have a legal obligation. They cannot engage a worker in a risk-assessed role unless that worker holds a current screening clearance.

• Workers in the following roles typically require a screening check:
• Direct support workers
• Team leaders
• Senior management

Workers must apply for these screening checks through their relevant state or territory worker screening unit.

Clearance and term

A worker’s screening check clearance is generally valid for a period of five years. This clearance is portable, meaning it is recognised and accepted across all states and territories for NDIS work.

The validity of a clearance does not mean it is unaffected by ongoing assessments. Workers are subject to continuous monitoring against new information that might disqualify them from NDIS work.

If disqualifying information arises during the term of a clearance, it can be revoked or suspended.

What providers must do

Providers are required to verify the clearance status of each worker via the NDIS Worker Screening Database before engaging them in a risk-assessed role. This verification process confirms that the worker holds the necessary clearances to perform their duties. Records of this verification must be maintained as part of the provider’s standard operating procedures. You can use the compliance calendar tool to help manage these requirements.

Ongoing workforce management requires providers to re-verify worker clearance status. This ensures that clearances remain current and that workers continue to meet the requirements for their roles. This is a continuous process, not a one-off activity.

Providers must also comply with the broader NDIS Practice Standards relating to worker management. This includes ensuring appropriate induction, training, supervision, and adherence to the Code of Conduct for all workers.