Sarnia ODSP - Sarnia, Ontario

pam N.

Very convenient that they were able to stay in the same location once the Bayside Mall closed. The computers that are there to help with finding a job, etc. Are almost always not available, which is very annoying. Even when they are available, you have to hope the person who puts in the password is available to do that for you so that you can use them. Every time I have tried to use them, either the person wasn't available or the computers had signs saying they weren't available for use that day. Seems like a waste of money and space even having them. Plus, they are outdated and a lot of things cannot be opened or downloaded on them without downloading new apps, which you cannot do. The front desk workers are usually in a rush but there are some good ones who are very pleasant. The hours are ok, except for around Christmas. Good luck if you need to talk to someone in person in December (especially with the Canada Post strike). Some ODSP workers are better than others. Some seem to take it personally when you ask for "Discretionary Benefits" and will deny you while a different worker will approve your friend's request for the exact same thing. Some workers go above and beyond to help while others never even bother to call you back. They hardly offer or grant any additional assistance outside what you are eligible for (rent and personal funds).

The new building is very nice inside, but there is literally like no parking, unless you are OK with walking a bit (a lot of people on ODSP have trouble with walking distances or require assistance and it can get extremely icy in the winter on that pavement). The busses used to go right down to Bayside Mall for those without transportation; however, they have changed the routes and now I don't even know if any busses go down there or if you have to walk a couple blocks to get there.

There are two security guards that I always see patrolling the outside of the building. I am not sure how often they are required and if they are worth our tax dollars. Perhaps they are, but I have only ever seen them outside the building, never actually inside (could be due to illegal activities being common in that area of town). Lambton Housing is in this building, as well, which is pretty convenient. They have large, newly renovated board rooms upstairs for when you have a meeting with Housing, but I don't see many people go up there. Seems like they put a lot of funding into building this new building that perhaps could have gone further elsewhere.

TLDR: If you are on ODSP, OW or Housing you might go to this building maybe once or twice a year to pick something up or drop something off. Most people don't need to access the building often. But if you do, pray that you get a decent worker.

erniestuart S.

While I hope I don't get this Jennifer worker. I was a approved for disability over a month ago and still no one from the office has contacted,,hopefully this is not how they help people with disabilities by stressing them out .

Emma E.

Jennifer Smith is a very incompetent caseworker. She does not get back to her clients and multiple days have passed still not reaching back. Anybody who has her honestly she’s extremely rude does not do her job or follow through. Everything with her is a fight, after dropping off three papers to cover my service dog food, she still refused. She also refused air-conditioning for my mother who has asthma and cannot breathe in this heat. Even with proper documentation, she refused and takes her time with getting anything done. It took almost 2 1/2 months to get clothing allowance She had never received

Jim M.

I don't care if staff have dress down days. You are government and you get paid extraordinarily well for your small amount of education. You should dress professionally for the front desk. Many of your clients work and then come in to the front desk only to see they are better dressed than ODSP staff. Graphic tee-shirts should not be allowed at that desk. No wonder staff seem to resent clients, not understand that clients are often more educated than they are and are professionals, more knowledgeable of the law than their worker, etc. Clean up your act overall in all departments. Staff need to stop being judgemental, bullying, and GOSSIPING.

Michael G.

My friend's worker called him "infamous", which is an adjective meaning "well known for some bad quality or deed; wicked; abominable". This is unacceptable for a government worker to conduct herself like that. It is an insult to his character. It is unwarranted and judgemental.

Amanda W.

Absolutely useless! Incompetent! Jennifer smith is an ODSP worker who refuses to do her job, and her boss Craig Lachine is full of excuses. There should be some sort of accountability but there is none. Luckily the OW side has capable workers but for those with a disability... you're screwed.

Mariana L.

ODSP male employee just YELLED at a young lady client in waiting room in front of everyone at Lambton Shared Services Office. She was being polite and was quiet. What is WRONG with this place?!

Angeleen H.

Although the wait is very long the staff still have the gull to be snotty and rushed. I wasn’t impressed. My caseworker is amazing but the office staff is a different story!