Behind the Scenes: Unraveling Substance Abuse Professional Training and Qualifications
Are you a professional who is interested in Substance Abuse Professional training? In the complex landscape of workplace safety, Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) play a critical role in ensuring that employees who have violated substance abuse policies receive the necessary guidance and support for their recovery. However, what goes on behind the scenes in terms of SAP training and qualifications is often a mystery to many. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Substance Abuse Professional training and qualifications to shed light on the professionals who are instrumental in helping individuals on their journey to recovery.
Understanding the Role of a Substance Abuse Professional
A Substance Abuse Professional is a qualified expert responsible for evaluating individuals in safety-sensitive positions who have violated drug and alcohol policies. SAPs guide these individuals through the recovery process, offering assessments, recommendations for education or treatment, and facilitating the return-to-duty process, including making recommendations for the employee to submit to a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test if they have shown compliance.
Key Components of Substance Abuse Professional Training
As a SAP you represent the major decision point (and in some cases the only decision point) an employer may have in choosing whether or not to place an employee behind the steering wheel of a school bus, in the cockpit of a plane, at the helm of an oil tanker, at the throttle of a train, in the engineer compartment of a subway car, or at the emergency control valves of a natural gas pipeline. Your responsibility to the public is enormous!
To qualify as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) provider for SRS, you must meet one of the following licensing requirements, pass the SAP exam and required training, and be knowledgeable about and have clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substance related disorders.
Licensing Requirementes
- Licensed Physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
- Licensed or certified Social Worker
- Licensed or certified Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed or certified Psychologist
- Licensed or certified Employee Assistance Professional
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor certified by the NAADAC, IC&RC or NBCC
DOT Substance Abuse Professional Training: 12 Hour Refresher Training & Testing
SAP Refresher Course meets the 12 hour CEU requirement under 49 CFR Part 40. Every three years, beginning from the date on which the SAP satisfactorily completed the examination, the SAP must complete continuing education consisting of at least 12 professional development hours (CEUs) relevant to performing SAP functions.
12 hour refresher course meets those requirements and includes:
Material concerning new technologies, interpretations, recent guidance, rule changes and other information about developments in SAP practice pertaining to the DOT program. A documentable assessment tool (quiz) is included to determine whether the SAP adequately learned the material. After registering, you will download the 12 hour SAP refresher course in a PDF format. Save the file and study at your convenience. When you are ready to take the assessment tool (exam) simply log in using the username and password you assigned at time of registration.
Click here to learn more about SAP Referral Services’ training.
Learn More and Get Qualified with SAP Referral Services
Substance Abuse Professionals are unsung heroes working diligently behind the scenes to facilitate the recovery of individuals in safety-sensitive positions. Their training, qualifications, and commitment to ongoing education make them invaluable contributors to creating safe and drug-free workplaces. As we unravel the layers of their expertise, it becomes evident that SAPs are not just professionals; they are compassionate guides dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to a healthier and more productive life. Contact SAP Referral Services today to learn more about the initial exam or 12 hour refresher training.