SAILis Ontario’s competency-based professional development program for management and staff of Ontario Works (programs delivering financial assistance, employment assistance and social supports).•SAIL competencies are tools for service integration at both the organizational and community levels. SAIL is asset-based: it builds on existing assets and competencies among staff, community partners and municipalities.•SAIL promotes competency enrichment and ongoing learning as a key element in achieving and sustaining organizational excellence in the program.