An Intro to Checklists

Checklists allow the workflow for your programs to be broken down into manageable chunks and assigned to responsible workers.

Important terms relating to checklists

Checklist Items

These are tasks that are required to move a client through your process. These are date fields that can set due dates, assign responsibility, upload documents or connect users and end users to forms to complete.

Checklist Sections

Sections divide checklist items into organized, manageable groups. 

My Tasks

Responsible workers are notified of their upcoming tasks at login on the home page.

Public Checklists 

Checklists can be shared with your families and other clients through SAM's public forms.

End users will see checklist items shared with them to complete. End users will generally use checklists to upload documents or complete online forms, like applications or post-adoption reports.

Learn about public checklists in this guide.

My checklists are blank!

SAM does not come with any checklists built in by default. This is because everyone's workflow is different and each SAM client runs different programs.

SAM Admins will access the Checklist Configuration through Settings to add checklist items and sections for your team and end users. 

Where do I start?

You'll need a solid understanding of a program's workflow to create a checklist that benefits your team and clients. Once you understand a program's process, you can begin creating checklist items. Your SAM Admin(s) may have done this step prior to your training. If you are an Admin, we highly recommend this step being done prior to setting up checklists. 

We have several blog posts and downloadable worksheets on process mapping/workflow documentation that can help you: 

• Process Mapping For Social Workers
• Process Mapping/Documenting Your Program Workflow with Spreadsheets
• Process Mapping with Sticky Notes