If you are planning to work in disability support in Victoria — whether through an agency, a registered NDIS provider, or as an independent contractor — you will almost certainly need an NDIS Worker Screening Check. It is a national background screening process designed to protect people with disability from harm, and it has been a requirement in Victoria since February 2021.
Here is everything you need to know about what it is, who needs one, how to apply, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
What Is the NDIS Worker Screening Check?
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a nationally consistent background check for people who work with NDIS participants in risk-assessed roles. It is different from a standard national police check — it includes additional checks and assessments specific to working with people with disability.
The check is administered by each state and territory's worker screening unit. In Victoria, this is managed by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) through the Service Victoria platform.
The outcome of the check is either a clearance (you are approved to work in risk-assessed roles) or an exclusion (you are not approved). A clearance is valid for five years from the date it is issued.
Who Needs One?
Since February 2021, the NDIS Worker Screening Check has been required for anyone working in a risk-assessed role with a registered NDIS provider in Victoria. Risk-assessed roles include:
- Roles involving direct delivery of supports or services to a person with disability
- Key personnel of registered NDIS providers, such as board members and executives
- Roles that involve more than incidental contact with people with disability
If you are a personal care assistant, support worker, registered nurse, or enrolled nurse working with NDIS participants, you need this check. If you are unsure whether your role is risk-assessed, ask your employer or agency — they are required to identify which roles need screening.
How to Apply in Victoria
The application process is straightforward but requires some preparation. Here is how it works:
- Apply online through Service Victoria. You will need a Service Victoria account. If you don't have one, you can create one during the application process.
- Complete identity verification. You will need to verify your identity using approved documents. Make sure the name on your application matches the name on your identity documents exactly.
- Provide your employer's ID. Your employer or agency must provide you with their NDIS Worker Screening Check employer ID before you can submit your application. At Barton Care, we provide this to all new team members as part of onboarding.
- Submit and wait. Processing typically takes around three weeks, though it can take longer if additional checks are required. You will be notified of the outcome via email.
You cannot start working in a risk-assessed role until your clearance has been issued, unless your employer has verified that your application has been submitted and is being processed (in which case you may be able to work under supervision, subject to the provider's policies).
Cost
The NDIS Worker Screening Check costs $128.20 in Victoria. This fee is payable by the applicant at the time of application. If you are a volunteer, the check is free.
Some employers and agencies cover the cost of the screening check for their staff. Ask your employer about their policy before applying.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Have your employer's ID ready before you start. You cannot complete the application without it, and it is frustrating to get halfway through and have to stop.
- Use the same name on all documents. Mismatched names are a common cause of delays. If your name has changed (for example, due to marriage), make sure your identity documents are updated first.
- Apply online. The online process through Service Victoria is faster and more efficient than paper-based applications.
- Apply early. Don't wait until you have been offered a role to start the process. If you know you want to work in disability support, apply as soon as you have an employer ID.
Do You Also Need a Police Check and WWCC?
The NDIS Worker Screening Check is separate from a national police check and a Working with Children Check (WWCC). Depending on your role and employer, you may need all three. They are not interchangeable — each check covers different criteria and has different validity periods.
- National police check: Required by most employers in the care sector. Valid for three years (employer-dependent).
- Working with Children Check: Required if you work with or have contact with children. Valid for five years in Victoria.
- NDIS Worker Screening Check: Required for risk-assessed roles with registered NDIS providers. Valid for five years.
Portability
One of the advantages of the NDIS Worker Screening Check is that it is nationally portable. If you obtain your clearance in Victoria and later move to another state, your clearance is still valid. You do not need to reapply in the new state, provided your clearance has not expired.
This is particularly useful for agency workers who may take shifts across state borders — for example, working in both Victoria and NSW or Tasmania.
Barton Care supports all team members through the screening and onboarding process. If you are ready to start working in disability support, view our current opportunities or contact us for help with your application.
