At One Good* Day, our Psychosocial Recovery Coaches are at the heart of everything we do.
They walk alongside people living with psychosocial disability, supporting them to build capacity, strengthen connections, navigate challenges and work towards the life they want. It’s meaningful work that combines professional skills, lived experience and genuine human connection.
If you’ve ever wondered how to become an NDIS Recovery Coach, what qualifications you need, or whether it’s the right career for you, this guide will help.
What Does an NDIS Recovery Coach Do?
Recovery Coaching is an NDIS-funded support designed specifically for people living with psychosocial disability.
An NDIS Recovery Coach works alongside participants to help them understand and implement their NDIS plan, build independence, strengthen support networks and progress towards their recovery goals.
At One Good* Day, we start by understanding what “one good day” looks like for each person.
For some, that might mean reconnecting with friends. For others, it could be returning to study, finding meaningful work, improving physical health or simply feeling more confident managing everyday life.
Recovery Coaches provide support on the good days, the difficult days and everything in between. The role is not about fixing people. It’s about walking alongside them, building capacity and supporting them to create a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.
What Skills Make a Great Recovery Coach?
While qualifications are important, some of the most valuable qualities can’t be taught.
Great Recovery Coaches are:
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Excellent listeners
- Strong communicators
- Organised and self motivated
- Comfortable working independently
- Passionate about recovery and mental health
- Able to build authentic, professional relationships
The role often involves coordinating supports, advocating for participants, collaborating with service providers and helping people navigate complex systems.
Every day is different, which makes the work both rewarding and engaging.
How to Become a Psychosocial Recovery Coach
There is no single pathway into Recovery Coaching.
Many Recovery Coaches come from backgrounds in mental health, community services, disability, social work, counselling or psychology.
Others bring valuable lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery, either personally or as a carer supporting someone close to them.
The NDIS recommends that Recovery Coaches have relevant mental health qualifications and lived experience. Common qualifications include:
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
- Diploma of Community Services
- Social Work qualifications
- Counselling qualifications
- Psychology qualifications
Many employers value a combination of lived and learned experience, recognising that both perspectives can strengthen the support provided to participants.
Recovery Coach Training
Like many helping professions, learning doesn’t stop once you start working.
Recovery Coach training provides a foundation, but much of the growth comes through practical experience, reflective practice, supervision and collaboration with other professionals.
At One Good* Day, we believe being part of a supportive team is one of the most important factors in becoming an effective Recovery Coach.
Regular supervision, peer support and ongoing professional development help Coaches continue building their skills while also protecting their own wellbeing.
Recovery Coaching can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to have the right support around you too.
How Much Does an NDIS Recovery Coach Earn?
Recovery Coach salaries vary depending on experience, qualifications, location and employment type.
As a guide, permanent entry level Recovery Coach roles often start around $77,000 per year plus superannuation.
Permanent employment can also provide benefits such as:
- Annual leave
- Personal leave
- Greater job security
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to team support and supervision
Some Recovery Coaches choose contractor or casual arrangements, which may offer higher hourly rates. However, it’s important to consider factors such as leave entitlements, stability and access to professional support when comparing options.
The best fit will depend on your individual circumstances and career goals.
Is Recovery Coaching a Good* Career?
For many people, Recovery Coaching is one of the most rewarding careers in the mental health and disability sectors.
You have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support people through significant life challenges and celebrate their successes along the way.
No two days are the same.
You’ll use your communication skills, problem solving abilities and professional judgement to help people move closer to the life they want to live.
If you’re passionate about mental health, recovery and making a genuine difference in people’s lives, Recovery Coaching could be a career worth exploring.
Looking for Recovery Coach Jobs?
One Good* Day regularly recruits Psychosocial Recovery Coaches across Australia.
We hire in cohorts because we’ve found starting alongside others creates stronger team connections, better support and a more positive onboarding experience.
If you’re interested in working as an NDIS Recovery Coach, we’d love to hear from you.
Visit our Careers page to view current opportunities or reach out to our team to learn more about what it’s really like to work at One Good* Day.