Psychosocial Recovery Coach Career: Key Points
- Psychosocial recovery coaches support NDIS participants with mental health conditions to build capacity, set goals, and increase independence
- Minimum requirements: Certificate IV in Mental Health plus two years paid experience
- NDIS Worker Screening, police checks, and professional insurance are mandatory
- Entry-level salaries range from $70,000-$95,000 annually
- Job growth projected at 12-15% annually through 2028
What Is a Psychosocial Recovery Coach?
A psychosocial recovery coach is a specialised NDIS provider who works with participants experiencing psychosocial disability arising from mental health conditions. Unlike general support coordinators, recovery coaches focus specifically on mental health recovery principles.
Recovery coaches help participants take charge of their own recovery journey through evidence-based approaches and practical NDIS support.
The role was introduced to the NDIS in July 2020 to address the unique needs of over 64,000 participants with primary psychosocial disability.
What Recovery Coaches Do
- Identify personal strengths and set meaningful recovery goals
- Develop practical skills for daily living and community participation
- Navigate both the NDIS and mental health service systems
- Build capacity to self-manage aspects of their lives
- Connect with appropriate services and community resources
- Reduce reliance on clinical supports where appropriate
Qualifications Required
To become a psychosocial recovery coach, you need qualifications through one of two recognised pathways.
Professional Qualification Pathway
Minimum Requirements
- Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC42015), or
- Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC42016)
Alternative Equivalent Qualifications
- Diploma of Community Services with mental health focus
- Bachelor degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counselling
- Diploma of Mental Health
Plus minimum two years of paid experience working with people with mental health conditions or psychosocial disability.
Lived Experience Pathway
For those with personal mental health recovery experience:
- Personal experience of mental health challenges and recovery journey
- Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work or equivalent
- Understanding of trauma-informed approaches
- Documented experience in peer support or mental health advocacy
Many effective recovery coaches combine both pathways. This dual perspective is particularly valued for understanding participant experiences and navigating complex service systems.
NDIS Registration Requirements
Before working as a psychosocial recovery coach, you must meet several mandatory requirements.
Worker Screening and Checks
| Check Type | Details | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| NDIS Worker Screening | Mandatory national background check | 10-15 business days |
| National Police Check | Required if not covered by Worker Screening | 5-10 business days |
| Working with Children Check | Required if working with under-18s | 2-4 weeks |
Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| Professional Indemnity | $5 million |
| Public Liability | $10 million |
Expect to pay $800-$1,500 annually for comprehensive NDIS-specific coverage.
Provider Registration Options
Option 1: Employment with a Registered Provider
- Join an existing NDIS-registered provider organisation
- Provider’s registration covers your services
- Easier entry point for new coaches
- Provider handles billing, compliance, and administration
Option 2: Self-Employed Registration
- Register your own business with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Must demonstrate compliance with NDIS Practice Standards
- Greater autonomy but more administrative responsibility
Important: From 1 July 2025, all psychosocial recovery coaches must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Unregistered providers can no longer deliver these supports.
Training and Course Options
Certificate IV Programs
| Provider Type | Duration | Cost | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAFE (NSW, QLD, VIC) | 6-12 months | $2,000-$5,000 | In-person/hybrid |
| Private RTOs | 6-9 months | $3,000-$6,000 | Online/self-paced |
| University pathway programs | 12 months | $4,000-$8,000 | Mixed mode |
Government training subsidies may be available depending on your state and circumstances.
Specialist Recovery Coach Training
In addition to the Certificate IV, employers prefer candidates with specific recovery coach training:
2-Day Intensive Courses - Team DSC, Assist Support Services, OTC
Short Courses (40-80 hours) - Mental health NGOs and private training organisations
University Short Courses - Swinburne and other universities offer AQF-aligned programs
Course Content Typically Covers
- NDIS fundamentals and funding streams
- Models of psychosocial recovery
- Goal-setting and capacity-building techniques
- Crisis management and safety planning
- Professional boundaries and ethics
- NDIS documentation and reporting
Continuing Professional Development
- Annual mandatory training updates
- NDIS Worker Screening renewal every 3 years
- Recommended CPD: trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, motivational interviewing
Career Pathway and Progression
Entry Points
1. Support Worker Route Begin as a mental health support worker, gain experience, then upskill
2. Peer Support Route Start in peer support roles, complete formal qualifications, transition to coaching
3. Direct Entry Complete Certificate IV, gain required experience through placements, then apply for coach positions
Career Progression
| Level | Role | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Junior Recovery Coach | 0-2 years |
| Mid-Level | Psychosocial Recovery Coach | 2-4 years |
| Senior | Senior Recovery Coach / Team Lead | 4-6 years |
| Leadership | Service Manager | 6+ years |
| Advanced | Program Manager / Support Coordinator | 8+ years |
Related Career Moves
With recovery coach experience, you can transition to:
- Specialist Support Coordinator
- Mental Health Service Manager
- NDIS Plan Manager
- Training and Development roles
- Policy and advocacy positions
- Private practice consulting
Salary and Employment Outlook
Salary Ranges (2025)
| Employment Type | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Employee | $70,000 - $85,000 |
| Experienced Employee | $85,000 - $95,000 |
| Senior/Team Lead | $95,000 - $110,000 |
| Self-Employed Contractor | $80,000 - $120,000+ |
NDIS Hourly Rates (2025-26 Price Guide)
| Level | Hourly Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $105.43/hour | Entry-level coaching, goal-setting |
| Level 2 | $184.01/hour | Intensive coaching, skill-building |
| Level 3 | $231.00/hour | Complex needs, crisis management |
Job Market Outlook
Strong growth ahead: NDIS funding for psychosocial recovery coaching increased approximately 15% in the 2024-25 funding round, with annual job growth projected at 12-15% through 2028.
Demand by Region
- Strongest: NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT
- Growing: Regional areas as providers expand
- Highest unmet demand: Rural and remote areas
The Australian Government’s National Mental Health Strategy 2023-28 supports continued investment in recovery-oriented services.
How to Find Work
Job Search Strategies
- NDIS Provider Job Boards - Many registered providers advertise directly
- General Job Sites - Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn
- Networking - Australian Association of Psychosocial Recovery Coaches
- Direct Applications - Contact NDIS providers in your area
- Agency Work - Healthcare recruitment agencies
What Employers Look For
- Lived experience (if applicable) alongside formal qualifications
- Specific training in recovery-oriented practice
- Experience with NDIS documentation and reporting
- Cultural competency and trauma-informed practice training
- References from mental health or disability sector supervisors
Building Your Own Practice
- Complete NDIS provider registration
- Establish business infrastructure (ABN, GST if turnover exceeds $75k)
- Set up accounting and invoicing systems
- Build a professional website with your NDIS registration
- Network with support coordinators and plan managers for referrals
- Join provider networks connecting independent coaches with participants
Step-by-Step Checklist
Phase 1: Research and Preparation
Weeks 1-2
- Research the role using NDIS resources and job advertisements
- Assess your current qualifications against requirements
- Identify gaps and plan your training pathway
- Research Certificate IV providers and costs
- Apply for government training subsidies if eligible
Phase 2: Qualification
Months 1-12
- Enrol in Certificate IV in Mental Health or equivalent
- Complete coursework and assessments
- Undertake practicum or work placement requirements
- Begin NDIS Worker Screening application
- Obtain National Police Check
- Obtain Working with Children Check if required
Phase 3: Experience Building
Ongoing
- Secure entry-level position in mental health or disability support
- Document hours and maintain experience log
- Request supervisor references confirming your experience
- Complete specialist recovery coach training course
- Pursue additional micro-credentials
Phase 4: Registration and Employment
Upon Meeting Requirements
- Purchase professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Choose employment model (employee vs self-employed)
- If self-employed: complete NDIS provider registration
- Update resume with NDIS registration number
- Begin job applications or marketing your services
- Establish ongoing CPD and supervision arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a psychosocial recovery coach?
The typical pathway takes 2-3 years: 6-12 months for Certificate IV completion plus 2 years of required experience. Those with existing mental health qualifications or experience may qualify sooner.
Can I work as a recovery coach without a qualification?
No. Minimum requirements include a Certificate IV in Mental Health or equivalent, plus two years of relevant experience. From July 2025, all recovery coaches must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
What is the difference between a recovery coach and a support coordinator?
Recovery coaches specialise in mental health recovery with specific expertise in psychosocial disability. Support coordinators work across all disability types with a broader coordination focus. Recovery coaches typically provide more intensive, recovery-oriented support using trauma-informed approaches.
Can I be both a peer support worker and a recovery coach?
Yes, but keep the roles distinct with separate billing arrangements. Some providers caution against providing both services to the same participant due to potential conflicts of interest.
Is there demand for recovery coaches in regional areas?
Yes, regional areas often have significant unmet demand. Many participants in rural NSW, Queensland, and Western Australia face waiting lists of 3-6 months for recovery coaching services. Telehealth delivery options are expanding access.
Do I need lived experience to become a recovery coach?
Lived experience is highly valued but not mandatory. The professional qualification pathway allows those without personal mental health experience to enter the role through formal qualifications and work experience.
How do I find participants as a self-employed recovery coach?
Build relationships with support coordinators and plan managers who can refer participants. Register on the NDIS provider marketplace, create a professional website, and network within mental health and disability service communities.
Key Resources
- NDIS Recovery Coach Information
- NDIS Provider Registration Portal
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Practice Standards
- Mental Health Australia Recovery Coach Resources
- Certificate IV in Mental Health - TAFE NSW
Becoming a psychosocial recovery coach offers a rewarding career supporting people with mental health conditions to achieve their recovery goals. With strong job growth projections and competitive salaries, now is an excellent time to pursue this pathway.
For those seeking psychosocial recovery coaching services, contact MD Home Care to learn how our qualified recovery coaches can support your NDIS journey.
