Not-for-Profit vs NDIS Private Practice: Which Is Better for Behaviour Support Practitioners?

Not-for-Profit vs NDIS Private Practice: Which Is Better for Behaviour Support Practitioners?

As demand for high-quality Behaviour Support Practitioners continues to grow across Australia, many professionals find themselves choosing between two main pathways: working within a Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisation or joining a private NDIS-registered practice.

Both offer meaningful career opportunities—but each comes with unique benefits, challenges, and cultural differences. Understanding these can help practitioners make confident decisions about where they will thrive best.

At HiTalent, we support social care professionals to find roles that align with their values, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Here’s a breakdown of the pros, cons, and key differences between NFPs and private NDIS providers.

Working for a Not-for-Profit (NFP) Organisation

Benefits

1. Mission-driven culture
NFPs exist to create positive social impact. Behaviour support practitioners often feel a strong sense of purpose knowing their work contributes to broader community outcomes, not profit margins.

2. More structured professional development
Many NFPs receive grants or government funding that is reinvested into staff training, reflective practice, clinical supervision, and ongoing learning opportunities.

3. Stable employment conditions
NFPs often offer permanent roles, predictable hours, and enterprise agreements that include above-award benefits such as additional leave, salary packaging, and wellness initiatives.

4. Collaborative, multidisciplinary environments
Large NFPs commonly have established clinical teams, reducing isolation and supporting emerging practitioners.

Potential Challenges

1. Slower organisational processes
Structures can be more bureaucratic, meaning decisions and innovation sometimes move slower than in private organisations.

2. Less flexibility
Work hours, service delivery models, and caseload processes can be more rigid.

3. Salary limitations
While salary packaging helps boost take-home pay, base salaries are sometimes lower compared to high-performing private practices.

Working for an NDIS Private Practice

Benefits

1. Higher earning potential
Private practices often offer competitive salaries, performance bonuses, or contractor arrangements with strong hourly rates.

2. Flexibility and autonomy
Practitioners may choose their hours, manage their caseloads, and tailor their service delivery style—appealing to those seeking work-life balance or lifestyle-driven arrangements.

3. Innovative and fast-moving environments
Private providers can pivot quickly, adopt new technologies, and introduce creative service models without the red tape seen in larger organisations.

4. Smaller teams and personalised culture
Practitioners often enjoy closer relationships with leadership and colleagues, and feel more directly recognised for their contributions.

Potential Challenges

1. Variable job security
Some private practices rely heavily on billable hours; this can create pressure to maintain high client loads or meet KPIs.

2. Fewer structured training pathways
While many private providers invest heavily in development, others may not have the same formalised frameworks as NFPs.

3. Potential for isolation
Smaller teams can mean less peer support unless supervision and team connection are intentionally prioritised.

Which Path Is Right for You?

Choosing between an NFP and a private practice comes down to your values, work style, and long-term career goals.

You might thrive in an NFP if you:

• value stability and structured support

• enjoy teamwork and established systems

• are motivated by community impact

You might flourish in a private NDIS practice if you:

• want flexibility and autonomy

• enjoy dynamic, fast-paced environments

• prioritise earning potential or contractor-style work

Both pathways offer rewarding careers—and neither is “better,” just better suited to different practitioners.

Looking for the Right Behaviour Support Role?

At HiTalent, we specialise in connecting passionate behaviour support practitioners with organisations where they can grow, feel valued, and truly make an impact—across both NFP and private NDIS settings.

If you're exploring your next move or want support navigating your options, reach out anytime at www.hitalent.com.au or connect with us directly.