NDSS CRM Manual / Chapter 18: SIL & Specialist Services
V3.8 · 2024/2025
Chapter 18

SIL & Specialist Services

Supported Independent Living, property management, forensic disability, youth services, and community support modules within the NDSS CRM platform.

18.1 - SIL (Supported Independent Living) Overview

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a key NDIS support category that provides assistance to people with disability who live in shared or individual residential arrangements. NDSS CRM's SIL module is purpose-built to manage every aspect of SIL service delivery, from property management and resident allocation through to 24/7 shift rostering, daily operations, and compliance reporting.

What is SIL?

SIL supports are funded under the NDIS to help participants with daily tasks they cannot do on their own due to their disability. SIL is typically provided in shared living arrangements (group homes) where 2–5 participants live together with support staff available on a roster that may include overnight and active night shifts. SIL funding is allocated in a participant's NDIS plan under Core Supports - Assistance with Daily Life.

SIL Module Architecture

The SIL module integrates with several other NDSS CRM modules:

Connected ModuleIntegration Purpose
Client Management (Ch. 6)Resident profiles, NDIS plans, service agreements
Staff Management (Ch. 7)Staff qualifications, availability, skill matching for SIL shifts
Rostering & Shifts (Ch. 8)24/7 shift scheduling, overnight shifts, ratio-based rostering
Finance & Invoicing (Ch. 9)SIL-specific billing codes, shared cost calculations
Compliance & Incidents (Ch. 10)Incident reporting, restrictive practice registers, compliance audits
Clinical Services (Ch. 12)Behaviour support plans, medication management, health records

SIL-Specific NDIS Line Items

Line Item CodeDescriptionUnitRate (2025-26)
01_011_0107_1_1SIL - Weekday DaytimeHour$61.79
01_012_0107_1_1SIL - Weekday EveningHour$68.04
01_013_0107_1_1SIL - SaturdayHour$86.65
01_014_0107_1_1SIL - SundayHour$111.51
01_015_0107_1_1SIL - Public HolidayHour$136.37
01_016_0107_1_1SIL - Active OvernightHour$68.04
01_017_0107_1_1SIL - SleepoverEach$243.40
18.2 - Property Management

The Property Management sub-module tracks all SIL residential properties operated or managed by the organisation. Each property record contains comprehensive details about the physical premises, capacity, current residents, and maintenance history.

18.2.1 SIL House Listing

SIL Property List - Wireframe
Search properties...
+ Add Property
Sunrise House
42 Banksia Ave, Parramatta NSW 2150
Capacity: 4 beds Occupied: 3/4
Active SDA
House Leader: Sarah Lee
Harbour View
15 Ocean Rd, Manly NSW 2095
Capacity: 3 beds Occupied: 3/3
Active High Support
House Leader: Mike Johnson
Eucalyptus Lodge
7 Wattle St, Penrith NSW 2750
Capacity: 5 beds Occupied: 4/5
Active
House Leader: Karen White

18.2.2 Property Details

FieldDescription
Property NameFriendly name for the SIL house (e.g., "Sunrise House")
AddressFull street address including suburb, state, and postcode
RegionGeographic region for organisational grouping
Property TypeSIL Group Home, SIL Individual, SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation), Respite
Total BedroomsNumber of resident bedrooms (determines maximum capacity)
Current OccupancyNumber of current residents (auto-calculated)
SDA CategoryIf SDA-registered: Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, High Physical Support
House LeaderAssigned House Leader (staff member responsible for daily operations)
Emergency ContactsLocal emergency numbers, nearest hospital, fire station
Accessibility FeaturesWheelchair ramp, modified bathroom, hoisting equipment, etc.
Insurance DetailsProperty insurance policy number, expiry date, provider
Lease/OwnershipLease start/end dates, landlord contact, or ownership details
StatusActive, Under Maintenance, Decommissioned

18.2.3 Capacity Tracking

The system provides real-time visibility into property capacity across the entire SIL portfolio:

  • Occupancy Dashboard: Visual overview of all properties showing occupied vs. available beds
  • Vacancy Alerts: Automatic notifications when a bed becomes available (due to move-out)
  • Waitlist Management: Track clients waiting for SIL placement with priority ranking
  • Compatibility Matching: Consider existing residents' needs and preferences when evaluating new placements

18.2.4 Maintenance Management

Property maintenance requests are tracked through a dedicated system:

  • Log Request: Staff or House Leaders submit maintenance requests with description, priority, and photos
  • Priority Levels: Emergency (respond within 2 hours), High (respond within 24 hours), Medium (respond within 72 hours), Low (scheduled maintenance)
  • Assign Contractor: Allocate to internal maintenance team or external contractor
  • Track Progress: Status updates: Reported → Assessed → In Progress → Completed → Verified
  • Cost Tracking: Record maintenance costs against the property budget
  • Scheduled Maintenance: Configure recurring maintenance tasks (e.g., pest control quarterly, fire safety annual)
18.3 - Resident Management

The Resident Management module handles the full lifecycle of a participant's residency in a SIL property, from initial placement through to move-out and transition.

18.3.1 Resident Allocation

Allocating a client to a SIL property involves the following assessment and approval workflow:

  1. Referral Review: Incoming SIL referral assessed against available vacancies
  2. Compatibility Assessment: Evaluate compatibility with existing residents considering disability type, support needs, behavioural considerations, gender, age, cultural preferences, and lifestyle
  3. Property Inspection: Arrange for the prospective resident (and their family/guardian) to visit the property
  4. Trial Period: Optional 2–4 week trial placement
  5. Formal Allocation: Create the resident record, link to property, set move-in date
  6. Service Agreement: Generate and execute the SIL service agreement

18.3.2 Resident Profiles

Each resident in a SIL property has an extended profile that builds upon their standard client record (Chapter 6) with SIL-specific information:

Profile SectionInformation Captured
Room AssignmentBedroom number, room features, personalisation preferences
Daily RoutineWake time, meal preferences, activities schedule, bedtime routine
Support NeedsPersonal care level, mobility support, communication needs, mealtime assistance
Dietary RequirementsAllergies, texture modifications, cultural dietary needs, nutritional plans
Health SummaryCurrent medications, medical conditions, GP details, hospital preference, Medicare number
Behaviour SupportLink to active BSP, triggers, de-escalation strategies, restricted practices authorised
Communication ProfileCommunication method, augmentative communication tools, key phrases, visual supports
Emergency ContactsPrimary and secondary contacts, guardian/nominee details, relationship
Goals & AspirationsNDIS plan goals, personal aspirations, skill development targets
DocumentsService agreement, consent forms, guardianship orders, medical reports

18.3.3 Move-In / Move-Out Process

Move-In Checklist - Wireframe
Resident: David Thompson - Move-In to Sunrise House, Room 4
Service agreement signed
NDIS plan funding confirmed for SIL
Compatibility assessment completed
Room prepared and inspected
Emergency contacts verified
Medication chart set up
Staff team briefed on support needs
Rostering updated with new ratios
Progress: 3 of 8 items complete - 1 in progress
18.4 - House Leader Dashboard

The House Leader Dashboard is a specialised view designed for SIL House Leaders - the senior support workers responsible for the day-to-day operations of a specific SIL property. This dashboard consolidates all operational information a House Leader needs into a single, accessible interface.

18.4.1 Dashboard Components

House Leader Dashboard - Sunrise House - Wireframe
3/4
Residents Present
2
Staff On Shift
1
Open Maintenance
0
Open Incidents
Resident Wellbeing Today
David T. Good
Maria G. Fair
James W. Good
Sophie L. Away (Community)
Today's Shift Roster
06:00–14:00 Sarah L., Tom B. Active
14:00–22:00 Karen W., Mike J. Upcoming
22:00–06:00 Lisa C. (Sleepover) Upcoming

18.4.2 Daily Operations

  • Daily Notes: House Leaders record daily summaries for each resident covering mood, activities, meals, medication administration, and any concerns
  • Medication Administration: Track medication rounds with electronic signing (staff member, time, medication, dosage, resident response)
  • Meal Planning: Weekly meal planner considering dietary requirements of all residents
  • Activity Log: Record community access activities, appointments, and social participation
  • Incident Reporting: Quick-access incident report form with SIL-specific categories

18.4.3 Shift Handover

The shift handover feature ensures continuity of care between shifts:

  1. Outgoing shift staff complete a handover form covering each resident's status, any incidents, medication notes, and pending tasks
  2. The system generates a handover summary combining individual notes into a single document
  3. Incoming shift staff acknowledge receipt of the handover by digital signature
  4. Handover records are stored permanently and linked to the relevant shifts for audit purposes
18.5 - SIL Rostering

SIL rostering has unique requirements compared to standard community support rostering. SIL properties require continuous 24/7 coverage with specific staff-to-resident ratios, overnight provisions, and compliance with NDIS SIL funding parameters.

18.5.1 24/7 Shift Coverage

A typical SIL roster operates in three main shift blocks:

Shift TypeTypical HoursBillingStaff Requirements
Morning Shift06:00 – 14:00Weekday Daytime rateBased on support ratio (e.g., 1:2 or 1:3)
Afternoon Shift14:00 – 22:00Weekday Evening rate (after 20:00)Based on support ratio
Active Overnight22:00 – 06:00Active Overnight rateStaff awake and available throughout
Sleepover22:00 – 06:00Sleepover flat rateStaff on-site, sleeps unless needed

18.5.2 Ratio Requirements

Staff-to-resident ratios are determined by the combined support needs of all residents in a property. NDSS CRM calculates and enforces these ratios:

Support LevelDaytime RatioEvening RatioOvernight
Standard (Level 1)1 staff : 3 residents1 staff : 3 residentsSleepover
Moderate (Level 2)1 staff : 2 residents1 staff : 2 residentsSleepover
High (Level 3)1 staff : 1 resident1 staff : 2 residentsActive Overnight
Complex (Level 4)2 staff : 1 resident1 staff : 1 residentActive Overnight
SIL Weekly Roster - Sunrise House - Wireframe
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
AM
06-14
Sarah L.
Tom B.
Sarah L.
Karen W.
Mike J.
Tom B.
Sarah L.
Tom B.
Karen W.
Mike J.
Lisa C.
Tom B.
Sarah L.
Lisa C.
PM
14-22
Karen W.
Mike J.
Tom B.
Mike J.
Sarah L.
Karen W.
Karen W.
Mike J.
Sarah L.
Tom B.
Mike J.
Karen W.
Tom B.
Karen W.
Night
22-06
Lisa C.
Sleepover
Lisa C.
Sleepover
Tom B.
Sleepover
Lisa C.
Sleepover
Lisa C.
Sleepover
Tom B.
Sleepover
Lisa C.
Sleepover
Required ratio: 1:2 (Moderate support) - Minimum 2 staff per daytime shift

18.5.3 Rostering Rules & Validations

  • Minimum staffing: System prevents publishing a roster that does not meet the required staff-to-resident ratio
  • Maximum hours: Alerts when staff approach maximum weekly hours (38 ordinary + overtime limits)
  • Rest periods: Enforces minimum 10-hour break between shifts (as per Fair Work Act)
  • Qualification checks: Validates that assigned staff hold required qualifications (e.g., first aid, medication administration, manual handling)
  • Gender considerations: Flags when personal care support requires gender-matched staff and the roster does not comply
  • Continuity of care: Prioritises consistent staff allocation to maintain familiarity for residents
18.6 - Forensic Disability Services

Forensic Disability Services support NDIS participants who are, or have been, involved with the criminal justice system. These services require specialised approaches to risk management, behavioural monitoring, and security protocols. NDSS CRM's forensic disability module provides the additional controls and documentation capabilities required for this high-complexity service stream.

18.6.1 Risk Assessments

Forensic disability clients undergo comprehensive risk assessments that are documented and regularly reviewed within NDSS CRM:

Assessment TypeFrequencyComponents
Initial Risk AssessmentAt intakeCriminal history review, violence risk assessment, substance abuse screening, mental health evaluation, protective factors analysis
Dynamic Risk AssessmentDailyCurrent mood, recent triggers, behavioural observations, environmental factors, staffing adequacy
Comprehensive ReviewQuarterlyFull reassessment of all risk domains, progress against goals, incident analysis, plan modifications
Critical Incident ReviewPost-incidentIncident analysis, contributing factors, response effectiveness, prevention strategies

18.6.2 Behavioural Monitoring

The system supports detailed behavioural monitoring with the following features:

  • Observation Logs: Staff record behavioural observations at configurable intervals (e.g., every 15 minutes, every hour, per shift)
  • Mood Tracking: Visual mood scale (1–10) recorded throughout the day, graphed over time to identify patterns
  • Trigger Identification: Document environmental, social, or internal triggers associated with escalated behaviour
  • De-escalation Records: Log de-escalation strategies used, their effectiveness, and duration
  • Trend Analysis: Python-based analytics service processes behavioural data to identify patterns, trends, and early warning indicators

18.6.3 Security Protocols

ProtocolDescriptionSystem Support
Visitor ManagementAll visitors logged with ID verification, purpose, arrival/departure timesVisitor register module with photo ID capture
Movement TrackingRecord community access activities with departure/return timesCheck-in/check-out system with GPS-optional mobile app
Curfew ManagementCourt-ordered curfew compliance monitoringAutomated alerts if check-in not received by curfew time
Prohibited ItemsRoom and belongings checks as authorisedCheck log with findings, dates, staff involved
Incident EscalationDefined escalation pathways for different incident typesAutomated notification chains to managers, clinicians, and authorities

18.6.4 Restricted Practices

Restricted practices are interventions that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. Under NDIS rules, these practices must be authorised, reported, and actively reduced. NDSS CRM maintains a Restricted Practices Register that tracks:

  • Type of practice: Seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, environmental restraint
  • Authorisation: Link to the authorising behaviour support plan and practitioner
  • Each use: Date, time, duration, reason, staff involved, participant response
  • Reporting: Automated NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission reportable incident notifications
  • Reduction plans: Documented strategies for reducing and eliminating restricted practices
18.7 - Youth Services

NDSS CRM's Youth Services module caters to NDIS participants aged 7–25 with specialised features that address the unique needs of children and young people with disability. The module emphasises age-appropriate support planning, education integration, developmental milestones, and transition planning.

18.7.1 Youth-Specific Programs

Program TypeAge RangeKey Focus Areas
Early Intervention0–7 yearsDevelopmental therapies, family support, early childhood education integration
School-Age Support7–18 yearsAfter-school care, school holiday programs, social skills groups, homework assistance
Transition to Adulthood16–21 yearsLife skills training, vocational support, independent living preparation, employment readiness
Young Adult Programs18–25 yearsSupported employment, tertiary education support, social participation, housing transitions

18.7.2 Age-Appropriate Support Plans

Support plans for young people include additional considerations:

  • Developmental Milestones: Track progress against age-appropriate developmental benchmarks
  • Education Goals: Integration with school Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and learning goals
  • Family Involvement: Structured family participation in goal setting and reviews
  • Peer Relationships: Support for developing friendships and social skills
  • Identity & Self-advocacy: Age-appropriate involvement in decision-making about their own support
  • Safety Planning: Child-specific safety plans including online safety, bullying prevention

18.7.3 Education Integration

The module supports collaboration with educational institutions:

FeatureDescription
School Liaison RecordsContact details for school representatives, meeting notes, communication log
IEP TrackingRecord Individual Education Plan goals and track progress alongside NDIS goals
School AttendanceTrack school attendance patterns and correlate with support delivery
Transition ReportsGenerate transition reports when moving between schools or education settings
Allied Health in SchoolsCoordinate therapy sessions delivered in school settings

18.7.4 Transition Planning

Transition planning is critical for young people approaching adulthood. NDSS CRM supports structured transition planning beginning at age 14:

  1. Age 14–16: Identify interests, strengths, and aspirations. Begin exploring post-school options.
  2. Age 16–18: Develop formal transition plan. Engage with vocational services. Trial independent living skills.
  3. Age 18–21: Execute transition plan. Transfer from child to adult services. Establish adult living arrangements.
  4. Age 21–25: Consolidate independent living. Ongoing support as needed. Review and adjust adult NDIS plan.
Child Safety

All youth services features include enhanced safety controls. Staff working with participants under 18 require current Working With Children Check (WWCC) credentials, which NDSS CRM validates against staff qualification records. The system blocks shift assignment if WWCC is expired or not recorded.

18.8 - Community Support

Community Support services help NDIS participants engage with their local community, develop social connections, build independent living skills, and participate in recreational and educational activities. NDSS CRM's Community Support module manages these services from planning through delivery and outcome tracking.

18.8.1 Community Access Programs

Program CategoryExamplesNDIS Support Category
Social & RecreationCommunity events, sports clubs, arts groups, music programsCore - Social & Community Participation
Skill DevelopmentCooking classes, budgeting workshops, transport training, technology skillsCapacity Building - Daily Activities
Employment SupportJob readiness programs, supported employment, workplace mentoringCapacity Building - Employment
Health & WellnessGym programs, swimming, yoga, walking groups, healthy eatingCore - Daily Activities
Education & LearningLiteracy programs, TAFE courses, community college, library programsCapacity Building - Lifelong Learning
VolunteeringCommunity volunteering, charity work, environmental programsCore - Social & Community Participation

18.8.2 Social Participation Tracking

NDSS CRM tracks social participation outcomes to demonstrate progress toward NDIS plan goals:

  • Activity Log: Record each community access activity with date, duration, location, participants, and staff support
  • Engagement Score: Staff rate the participant's engagement level for each activity (1–5 scale)
  • Independence Rating: Track the level of support required over time (full support, moderate, minimal, independent)
  • Social Connections: Document new relationships, friendships, and community connections formed
  • Goal Progress: Link activities to specific NDIS plan goals and track progress percentage

18.8.3 Skill Development Programs

Structured skill development programs follow a curriculum-based approach:

  1. Assessment: Baseline assessment of current skills using standardised tools
  2. Goal Setting: SMART goals aligned with NDIS plan objectives
  3. Program Design: Structured program with modules, activities, and milestones
  4. Delivery: Session-by-session delivery with progress notes
  5. Review: Regular progress reviews with participant, family, and support coordinator
  6. Outcome Measurement: Post-program assessment comparing to baseline
Community Access Weekly Calendar - Wireframe
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
09:00
Swimming
David T.
Art Class
Maria G., James W.
Gym Program
David T., James W.
13:00
Library
Sophie L.
Cooking Class
All residents
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