June 2021 - AACS Counseling

Month: June 2021

Mastering the Path to Becoming a SAP- Substance Abuse Professional in the Trucking Industry

In the fast-paced and demanding world of trucking, substance abuse issues can significantly impact safety and operational efficiency. For this reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates the involvement of qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) to help truck drivers return to duty after violations. If you’re interested in becoming a SAP or want to understand the process better, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.

Becoming a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)

Understanding the Role of a SAP

Substance Abuse Professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the trucking industry. They evaluate drivers who have violated drug and alcohol regulations and recommend appropriate treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. A SAP’s primary responsibility is to protect the public by ensuring that only drivers who have resolved their substance abuse issues are allowed back on the road.

Steps to Become a SAP

  1. Meet the Qualifications:

To become a SAP, you must meet specific educational and professional criteria. You should be a licensed or certified social worker, psychologist, employee assistance professional, marriage and family therapist, or drug and alcohol counselor. Each profession has its own set of requirements that must be met.

  1. Complete the Necessary Training:

You must undergo a specialized training program that covers the substance abuse evaluation process, treatment recommendations, and follow-up procedures. This training ensures that you are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with being a SAP.

  1. Pass the Certification Exam:

After completing your training, you will need to pass a certification exam. This exam tests your knowledge and understanding of the SAP role and the regulations set forth by the FMCSA.

  1. Maintain Your Credentials:

Once certified, it’s essential to maintain your credentials through continuing education and periodic recertification. Staying updated with the latest industry standards and regulations is crucial for providing the best possible care and recommendations.

Who is Considered a Qualified SAP?

Educational and Professional Requirements

To be considered a qualified SAP, you must hold one of the following credentials:

  • Licensed or certified social worker
  • Licensed or certified psychologist
  • Licensed or certified employee assistance professional
  • Licensed or certified marriage and family therapist
  • Certified drug and alcohol counselor

Each of these professions has specific educational and licensure requirements that must be met before you can become a SAP.

Specialized Training

In addition to holding the appropriate credentials, you must complete specialized training that covers the following areas:

  • Clinical and diagnostic evaluation of drug and alcohol issues
  • Treatment recommendations and referrals
  • Follow-up testing and aftercare planning

This training ensures that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively evaluate and assist drivers who have violated substance abuse regulations.

Certification and Recertification

After completing your training, you must pass a certification exam to demonstrate your competence as a SAP. It’s also essential to stay current with industry standards by participating in continuing education and periodic recertification.

Designating a Substance Abuse Professional

The Importance of Designation

Designating a qualified SAP is a critical step in addressing substance abuse issues within the trucking industry. A designated SAP ensures that drivers receive the necessary evaluations, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care to safely return to duty.

Process of Designation

  1. Identify Qualified Candidates:

Begin by identifying individuals who meet the educational and professional requirements to become a SAP. This may involve reaching out to local licensing boards or professional associations.

  1. Provide Necessary Training:

Ensure that the selected candidates complete the required specialized training. This training equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties effectively.

  1. Certification

Once the candidates have completed their training, they must pass the certification exam to become officially recognized as SAPs.

  1. Ongoing Support and Education:

Support your designated SAPs by providing access to continuing education opportunities and resources. This ensures that they stay current with industry standards and best practices.

Understanding the SAP List

What is a SAP List?

A SAP list is a directory of certified Substance Abuse Professionals who are qualified to evaluate and assist drivers who have violated drug and alcohol regulations. This list is maintained by the FMCSA and is available to employers, drivers, and other stakeholders in the trucking industry.

How to Access the SAP List

The SAP list can be accessed through the FMCSA’s website. This online directory allows you to search for qualified SAPs based on location, credentials, and other criteria. Utilizing the SAP list ensures that you are working with professionals who meet the required standards and qualifications.

Benefits of Using the SAP List

Using the SAP list provides several benefits, including:

  • Verification of Credentials:

Ensures that the SAP you choose has met the necessary training and certification requirements.

  • Ease of Access:

Provides a centralized resource for finding qualified SAPs in your area.

  • Compliance:

Helps ensure that you are meeting FMCSA regulations by working with certified professionals.

Finding Qualified Substance Abuse Professionals

Online Directories

Several online directories, including the FMCSA’s SAP list, provide access to qualified Substance Abuse Professionals. These directories allow you to search for SAPs based on location, credentials, and other factors.

Professional Associations

Professional associations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) or the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA), often maintain directories of certified professionals. These associations can be a valuable resource for finding qualified SAPs.

Referrals

Referrals from colleagues, licensing boards, or other trusted sources can also help you find qualified Substance Abuse Professionals. Personal recommendations can provide insights into the SAP’s reputation, experience, and effectiveness.

Getting Into the SAP Program

Eligibility Requirements

To get into the SAP program, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, including holding the appropriate credentials and completing the necessary training. Ensuring that you meet these requirements is the first step in becoming a certified SAP.

Application Process

  1. Submit Your Credentials:

Provide documentation of your educational background, professional licensure, and any relevant certifications.

  1. Complete Specialized Training:

Enroll in and complete a training program that covers the required areas of knowledge and skills for SAPs.

  1. Pass the Certification Exam:

Successfully pass the certification exam to demonstrate your competence as a SAP.

  1. Maintain Your Credentials:

Engage in continuing education and periodic recertification to maintain your status as a qualified SAP.

Requirements for the SAP Program

Educational Background

To qualify for the SAP program, you must hold a degree in a relevant field, such as social work, psychology, counseling, or a related discipline. This educational background provides the foundation for your work as a SAP.

Professional Licensure

In addition to your educational background, you must hold a professional license or certification in your field. This ensures that you have met the necessary standards of practice and ethics for your profession.

Specialized Training and Certification

Completing specialized training in substance abuse evaluation, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care is a critical component of the SAP program. Passing the certification exam demonstrates your competence and readiness to serve as a SAP.

Continuing Education

To maintain your credentials, you must engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education. This ensures that you stay current with industry standards and best practices, providing the highest level of care and support to drivers.

Conclusion

Becoming a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a rewarding and impactful career choice, especially within the trucking industry. By meeting the necessary qualifications, completing specialized training, and maintaining your credentials, you can play a crucial role in promoting safety and well-being on the road. If you’re ready to take the next step, consider enrolling in a SAP training program today and join a community dedicated to making a difference.

For more information or to get started, visit our website and explore the resources available to help you on your journey to becoming a certified Substance Abuse Professional.

This blog post provides a step-by-step guide for individuals interested in becoming Substance Abuse Professionals, with a focus on the trucking industry. By following these guidelines and meeting the necessary requirements, you can make a significant impact on public safety and support drivers in their recovery and return to duty.

Information Source:

SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

What Happens in Online Family Violence Class? Florida

Increasing cases of family violence have been a concern for the government from a long time. Major reason behind violence with family members is the inability to deal with emotions under a particular circumstance. Many people can’t control their anger and want to dominate over the other partner. American Alternative Court Services has been contributing to the society with online family violence class by educating people on ways to deal with family violence.

Procedure followed in the class

The complete family violence intervention program is designed for the duration of 24 weeks. Interactive online family violence class enables the people to recognize their anger triggering points. People can openly discuss about the problems they face.

The thought process of a person is analysed and then a few changes are suggested by the friendly counselors that may help in coping up with anger. Motive of these classes is to make people recover and take complete control over their emotions. After the successful completion of online family violence class, a person has a fair idea of how to control anger and replace it with a much healthier response.

Online Family Violence Class at AACS

If you are concerned about your own violent behaviour or any other family member, then fill the sign up form for the classes. There is also no need to go anywhere because online mode of classes is available for people. Court-approved classes are conducted separately for different genders to facilitate openness and comfort level for discussion.

Physical, mental and emotional abuse can snatch away the happiness of any family. Even the childhood of the kids gets badly affected due to awful environment at home. So, don’t let yourself and the family members suffer. Take an initiative to bring small changes by learning from online family violence class at AACS and live a happy life.

Effortless Online Out of State Evaluation by AACS New York

It is a serious crime to drive under the influence of alcohol or drug. This not only impacts the roadways but also affects the health of a person. Considering it as a violation of law, the individual must undergo assessment and then only he or she would be able to resume the duty. Online out of state evaluation by AACS is a program that allows the people to get the evaluation process done in a quick and convenient way.

Different states may abide by different rules and regulations. For example, if there is a driver from Georgia who has received a DUI from any other state, then he has to successfully complete DUI School, substance treatment program and clinical evaluation. The counselors are well-aware of the laws set by different states and strive to provide right evaluation report that would be accepted easily by the court and employer.

Whole procedure of assessment is quite simple. The person should book an appointment for the online out of state evaluation and submit all the documents that are given by other state. Evaluator takes a question and answers session with the accused and then gives various suggestions and programs that a person must undertake in order to go back to work.

The interview process usually takes an hour to complete, but it may extend longer if you have DUI arrest. Don’t be scared before the evaluation, as the counselors and staff at AACS is friendly and helpful. Best possible help is provided to finish the process within a limited time frame. But, it also depends on the person how he behaves in the evaluation process. If he is ready to accept the mistake and wants to improve, then the process becomes easy.

Now that you are well-versed with the pros of online out of state evaluation by AACS, just sign up the form for further process.

SAP Evaluation Stage Georgia

DOT (Department of Transportation) requires the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) to conduct evaluations for employees in safety-sensitive positions as regulated by (DOT). DOT has made it legitimate for all the companies to conduct the pre-employment, post-accident, random or reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol tests for the employees holding commercial driver licenses (CDLs). Our counsellors are well qualified who follow the step by step procedure needed to help you through the process of RTD (Return to Duty) as specified by DOT as against the violation of its drug and alcohol rules’.

Who needs SAP Evaluation?

  1. An employee who tests positive for drugs or alcohol.
  2. An employee who holds CDL.
  3. An employee has to obtain a substance abuse evaluation as the condition of the employment or for continued employment.

DOT-SAP Evaluation involves two steps:

  1.     The first stage SAP Evaluation involves
  • Face-to-face clinical interview and assessment.

To determine if the substance abuse problem exists or no and if it does then, what level of treatment shall be needed.

  • The further recommendation in the form of treatment for drug/ alcohol addiction or education(as determined by our SAP)
  • Continuous monitoring of the employee under the treatment process.

       2.The follow-up SAP Evaluation includes

  • Follow-up session that helps SAP to determine successful completion of treatment and thus, provide Notice a “Notice of Compliance,” or a “Notice of Noncompliance,” depending upon the employee’s performance throughout the programme.
  • Recommendations for further education or treatment (if needed)
  • Aftercare suggestions (as deemed necessary)
  • Written report to DER (Designated Employer Representative)

If the employer is satisfied with the report, he can order the conduct of Return to Duty test which should have a negative result to get you back on board, however, if it turns out to be positive you have to undergo the assessment and follow the program repeatedly, till you are deemed fit.

Information Source:

SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SAP EVALUATION FOR CLEARING HOUSE CALIFORNIA

The clearinghouse has been introduced as the secured online database to maintain records about the CDL(Commercial Driving Licence) drivers’ who are covered by FMCSA’s drug and alcohol program. This also includes drivers with commercial learner’s permits (CLPs).

DOT has made the clearinghouse SAP evaluation mandatory for the employees who test positive for drug or alcohol abuse. SAP is the user in the Clearinghouse who is also required to register himself on the clearinghouse. As soon as the driver is found positive he must register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse and contact SAP professional. The list of the qualified DOT SAPs may be provided by your employer so that you can fix your appointment as soon as to complete the return-to-duty process.

EVALUATION PROCESS

  • The driver registers himself on the clearinghouse where the employer then, enters the violation record on the driver’s name.
  • The driver receives a notification in the form of e-mail or text that information has been entered on his record.
  • The driver can now access the list of qualified SAPs and choose one which he wishes to.
  • Similarly, SAP receives the push-up notification from the clearinghouse mentioning the driver’s name in the form of his connection request.
  • The SAP clicks on “Accept Request” or “Deny Request” following which he can see the driver’s records if he accepts the request.
  • On the initial assessment, SAP intimates the driver about his treatment recommendation and also enters the date of the final assessment meeting.
  • SAP, after determining that the driver has successfully complied with the treatment, enters the date of the demonstration which serves as the means for the employer who then, orders the conduct of Return to Duty test.

The result of the RTD test must be negative to get back on your duty else, you have to undergo the treatment procedure again (education or treatment) as suggested by SAP.

Information Source:

SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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