OW Directives and SAMS Introduction: The Basics

About this Online Workshop
In this workshop, participants will focus on refreshing their knowledge of Ontario Works and SAMS after returning from leave or transfer from another social services department. They will:
- Determine initial and ongoing eligibility of Ontario Works, Emergency Assistance and Temporary Care Assistance applications
- Case studies to support learning and development (in the Site Readiness Environment)
NOTE: This is an interactive, virtual workshop, which is different from a webinar. Participants will be expected to participate through voice and video, and to engage with each other and the facilitators in large and small group discussions, to learn from each other and practice skill development.
Learning Outcomes
- Review of Life Stabilization and Quality of Life indicators
- Increased working knowledge of Ontario Works Act, Directives, Clearinghouses and Q&A/Memos
- Understanding of mandatory forms and documentation requirements
- Ability to navigate the SA Extranet
- Increased understanding of SAMS technology (process applications and updating person page and evidence dashboard)
- Process application in SAMS and support decision with legislation
- Awareness of case management best practices and resources
Who Should Attend?
Case managers and staff with less than two years of experience or staff who would like a refresher after returning from leave or transfer from other social services department. Some knowledge of Ontario Works Act/Directives and SAMS is recommended.
Duration
Virtual: three-hour sessions for five days for a total of 15 hours
In-Person: two days for a total of 15 hours
Registration
Deadline: Tuesday, September 9
IMPORTANT!
Participants must be able to access the SA Extranet site during this training in order to navigate Directives, Legislation and Clearinghouse.
Workshop Dates and Registration
All sessions in Eastern Standard Time.
September 11 – 17, 2025
- Part 1: Thursday, September 11 | 9:00 – 12:00
- Part 2: Friday, September 12 | 9:00 – 12:00
- Part 3: Monday, September 15 | 9:00 – 12:00
- Part 4: Tuesday, September 16 | 9:00 – 12:00
- Part 5: Wednesday, September 17 | 9:00 – 12:00
- Registration Cut Off: Tuesday, September 9
Pricing
- Members: $635 + HST
- Non-Members: $825 + HST
- Non-Member Education Level 1 & 2: $660 + HST
Testimonials
Here are what some attendees had to say about this workshop:
I enjoyed the hands-on learning opportunities.
Very informative sessions by Dave and Kirby, they are experts in their field and show it through their knowledge.
Facilitators were very knowledgeable, and I enjoyed refreshing my memory of the Ontario Works world.

About the Facilitator
Kirby Steinhoff (she/her) has been in the employment and social services field for over 10 years, starting as a frontline crisis counsellor in a domestic violence shelter and transitioning to Ontario Works case management is currently employed with the City of Greater Sudbury as a caseworker.
Kirby has worked as a trainer and policy developer and is considered a subject matter expert and has trained both front-line and supervisory staff on various SAMS modules and directives.
Kirby has completed an Undergraduate degree from Western University in Women’s Studies and Feminist Research, a diploma in Human Resources from Fanshawe College and Master of Arts in Labour Studies from McMaster University with research focused on social policy, inclusion and contemporary work.
Technical Requirements
OMSSA will be hosting this virtual workshop on Zoom, an online, interactive platform that you can join straight from your web browser, or by downloading ‘Zoom Client for Meetings’ on your computer or tablet.
Participants will be expected to join the workshop via both video and audio. Participants should therefore have access to a desktop computer, laptop computer or tablet with:
- a webcam or built-in camera
- a built-in microphone or a headphone jack where you can plug in a headset or earphones
We strongly recommend that participants use a headset or earphones with a built-in microphone in order to limit background noise.
System requirements: Click here for more detailed information on system requirements from Zoom.