Substance Abuse Professional Services (SAP)

Substance abuse professionals (SAP) with Allied Trades (ATAP) are qualified in:

• evaluating alcohol and controlled substance-related disorders for employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation
• evaluating the legal and compliance protocols that employers face in evaluating and returning affected employees to duty

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

Employees who are struggling with substance use can contact an ATAP substance abuse professional to receive recommendations regarding treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. Rather than leaving employees to fend for themselves in dealing with the effects of substance use, ATAP creates a pathway for the employee that helps them return to safety sensitive position within the workplace.

Substance abuse professional services can help support your employees and workplace in beyond just dealing with emergency situations. Their presence can create longer-term benefits in creating a more positive and supportive workplace culture, which leads to better job satisfaction, retention, and recruitment opportunities.

Return to Safety-Sensitive Function for Transportation Workers

A transportation worker who has violated DOT regulations must follow a specific procedure before being considered for return to safety-sensitive function.

The process, conducted by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) includes:

• The SAP conducts an initial face-to-face clinical evaluation, including standardized testing. DOT’s rule requires a recommendation for treatment and/or education in every case. The SAP must send an initial evaluation report to the employer.
• The SAP assists the employee in contacting the treatment provider and arranging for services.
• The SAP maintains regular contact with the treatment provider to monitor the employee’s treatment progress and to confirm suitability of the treatment plan.
• The SAP will conduct a face-to-face follow-up clinical evaluation to determine if the employee has complied with the SAP’s recommendations and to measure success of treatment. If the employee has complied with the SAP’s recommendation, the SAP sends a follow-up report to the employer, including SAP’s recommendations for a program of aftercare and follow-up testing.
• If requested, the SAP will conduct ongoing monitoring following the employee’s return to work, including monthly in-person interviews and revision of the employee’s follow-up testing program, when appropriate. The SAP will also document monthly contact with the provider of the client’s aftercare program. Reports of compliance or non-compliance will be sent to the employer.