Introduction 

This statement outlines Hireup’s approach to providing support to clients using Supported Independent Living (SIL) funding under Registration Group 0138 – Assistance with Supported Independent Living.

We are committed to providing SIL supports that are person-centred, safe and responsive to each client's individual goals, preferences and support needs. Our approach is guided by the NDIS Practice Standards and promotes each client's rights, choice and control, independence and wellbeing.

Hireup understands that quality Supported Independent Living is not defined by where a person lives, but by how they are supported to live the life they choose.

We aim to provide flexible, individualised supports that build independence, strengthen capability and adapt as each client's goals, preferences and circumstances change. Our approach recognises that independence looks different for every person and is achieved by working in partnership with clients to support them to live as independently and autonomously as possible.

SIL Service Scope

• 1:1 support model: Hireup provides individualised one-to-one (1:1) daily supports. SIL funding is often calculated as a ratio of support (such as 1:3). Hireup accepts SIL funding where clients choose to engage us for individualised 1:1 supports.
• Non-tenancy provider: Hireup does not provide tenancy, housing management, property ownership, or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Our role is to provide high-quality disability supports that enable clients to live as independently as possible in the home they have chosen.
• Living arrangements supported: Hireup support clients seeking living and support arrangements that offer greater choice, safety and connection with family, community, education or employment opportunities.

Our approach

Hireup provides SIL in accordance with the NDIS Supported Independent Living Practice Standards. Our approach is underpinned by collaborative, person-centred practice:

• Supported decision-making: Hireup supports clients to understand information, communicate their preferences, participate in decisions and exercise choice and control over their home, daily life and support team. 
• Safeguarding: Hireup works collaboratively and proactively with clients and their support networks to promote environments where clients and workers are safe, respected, listened to and supported to raise concerns. We identify risks and appropriate mitigations, share important information, and coordinate supports that balance dignity of risk and the need to engage in positive risk-taking with safety and person-centred practice. 
• Practice governance: Hireup is committed to the provision of high-quality support through capable workers, strong governance and continuous improvement. We ensure our workers have appropriate training, guidance and support, and continually monitor and improve the quality of our services with input from our community.
• Tenancy, housing and support arrangements: Hireup does not provide housing or tenancy management. We maintain clear separation between housing and support arrangements, and support clients to make informed choices about both where they live and who provides their support. A Client’s Hireup Service Agreement is separate from any tenancy or home arrangement. Clients can choose to change or end their support arrangement with Hireup without affecting their tenancy or housing arrangements. 

Hireup recognises that quality SIL often involves multiple people and services. We work collaboratively with clients and (where appropriate) their families, guardians, support coordinators, health professionals, behaviour support practitioners and other providers,  to ensure supports are coordinated, consistent and centred around Client-stated goals.

Using SIL funding with Hireup

Hireup accepts SIL funding for 1:1 supports when the arrangement meets the NDIS definition of Supported Independent Living and can remain safe and sustainable across the life of the NDIS plan. 

To support clients using SIL funding, Hireup will: 

• Manage and coordinate the SIL supports provided by Hireup, including Hireup’s responsibilities for safeguarding, information-sharing, worker capability, supervision and practice governance. 
• Collaborate with clients to design and help them understand a support roster that suits their needs, and work transparently to ensure clients clearly understand how 1:1 support rates impact overall funding allocation. 
• Ensure supports are safe, sustainable and (where required) have appropriate oversight from relevant health professionals, behaviour support practitioners, and other services or providers.
• Ensure supports meaningfully advance the client’s goals, build capability, and enable them to live in their home as autonomously as possible while accessing the community.
• Work with clients to document emergency and disaster arrangements that are proportionate to their support needs and living environment, including relevant evacuation instructions, essential supplies, emergency contacts and coordination with other services and providers where required.

Onboarding new SIL Clients 

When a client chooses to use SIL funding with Hireup, we review all relevant information and work closely in partnership with the client and their support network (where appropriate) prior to support commencement. We take time to understand:

• The client’s personal goals, daily routines, and desired lifestyle outcomes.
• The client’s communication preferences, routines, goals and support needs, including any high intensity, behaviour or psychosocial supports.
• The client’s identified risks, safeguards, emergency and disaster arrangements, and relevant professional guidance.
• The client’s current SIL funding allocation and the time period the budget must cover.
• What the client wants to achieve through the proposed support arrangement.

Through this collaborative process, Hireup co-designs clear and transparent support arrangements that aligns with the client's preferences, support needs across the day, and funding capacity.

Management and ongoing safeguarding

Hireup regularly monitors client and support worker safety, support quality, funding utilisation, and client-stated goal outcomes. If support proves unsustainable, client needs change, or risks escalate, we will:

• Work collaboratively with the client to safely adjust the support roster, and to ensure the client understands the impact of any changes to their budget or roster.
• Update the client’s Hireup profile (including support plan, risk assessment and specialised support plans) in collaboration with the client and their support network (where appropriate). 
• Explore complementary funding or community supports.
• Support engagement with the NDIA where a change of circumstances may justify a funding reassessment.
• Periodically review whether the arrangement continues to meet the SIL definition and can be provided safely, sustainably and within the client’s available funding.

Hireup values in action

We commit to saying yes where possible by:

• Empowering client choice and voice
• Supporting transitions away from unsuitable living environments
• Working collaboratively with families, support coordinators, and allied health

We always prioritise the wellbeing, preferences, and autonomy of the client, while ensuring Hireup maintains safe provision of supports and responsible coordination of rosters and their support team.