Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) in Bethlehem, PA—SAP at Thriveworks (Lehigh Valley)
The majority of employers require that their employees follow rules related to drug and alcohol use in the workplace. Now, some take it one step further and enforce even stricter policies, especially when the public’s safety hangs in the balance. In these instances, employees (like truckers and bus drivers) must abide by the specific guidelines regarding alcohol/drug use set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
A Substance Abuse Professional (or SAP) is qualified to assess these employees to determine if they are cooperating with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) guidelines for drug and/or alcohol use. The DOT’s rules are meant to keep employees as well as everyone else on the road safe. And when these rules are violated, an SAP’s duty is to make recommendations for going forward, of which can involve follow-up testing, referring employees to educational programs, and establishing an aftercare plan.
Thriveworks Bethlehem has Substance Abuse Professionals available to assist you. If you need an evaluation, recommendations, or follow-up testing done, to ensure your employers are complying with DOT’s standards, you’ve come to the right place.
What Exactly Does an SAP Do?
As mentioned above, an SAP has a multitude of duties, but they all revolve around the assessment of DOT employees. A successful SAP should offer meaningful feedback: Is the individual in question in compliance with the DOT’s rules? Does he or she have the green light to operate a school bus, semitruck, train, airplane, or train? Is additional testing necessary? Is treatment recommended? That said, SAPs do not make any decisions regarding an individual’s employment. Instead, they offer valuable information that will help the employer make the decision. In a nutshell, SAPs…
- Evaluate employees and determine whether or not they are in compliance with the DOT’S rules related to drug and alcohol use in the workplace.
- Offer recommendations to the employer when an employee is not in compliance with the DOT’s guidelines.
- Refer employees to treatment programs for their alcohol or drug misuse.
- Create an aftercare regimen for the employee
- Follow up with the employee to ensure success in treatment
- Call on a representative at the employee’s workplace to check in with the employee and confirm they’re following their treatment plan.
Who Qualifies as a SAP?
A SAP’s job is an important one, which can’t be completed by just anyone—the individual must possess the proper qualifications. The following professionals qualify:
- Licensed or certified psychologists or social workers
- Licensed or certified employee assistance professionals
- Licensed physicians (e.g. doctor of medicine)
- State-licensed marriage and family therapists
- Certified drug and alcohol counselors
Thriveworks Bethlehem has multiple staff members who are qualified SAPs. They understand the rules set forth by the USDOT and know what it takes to succeed in this important job. Furthermore, the SAPs at Thriveworks Bethlehem…
- Meet all SAP standards as well as training requirements
- Understand the importance of the DOT’s rules
- Report employee compliance or non-compliance
- Have clinical experience in making substance-related diagnoses
- Attend SAP development and education workshops/activities
Meet with an SAP at Thriveworks Bethlehem Today
If you’re looking for an SAP to assist you, in an effort to ensure your employees are compliant with the DOT’s alcohol/drug use guidelines, you’re in the right place. To schedule an appointment with a provider at Thriveworks Bethlehem, all you have to do is give us a call at 484-241-2848. A scheduling specialist will greet you and help you to get all set up with one of our SAPs. You can also visit our website to schedule an appointment or to find out additional information about Thriveworks. In any case, we are excited to hear from you and work with you in accomplishing this important mission.
