The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires those who perform safety sensitive duties to undergo a randomized drug screening process, a stressful procedure for those individuals who use substances. At Liv Associates, we recognize the hardships associated with being removed from duty and the urgency to return to work. With your needs and worries in consideration, we have a trained Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who provides DOT compliant assessments within a safe and judgment free environment. We have the resources available to make this a seamless process, as you strive to return to work.
Once you’ve made the vital decision to meet with a trained SAP, it’s important to know what to expect, as the following is essential in your transition back to your safety sensitive responsibilities.
INITIAL SESSION
During the initial session, our trained SAP will meet with you face-to-face to gain background information and an understanding of the events that led to being removed from duty. This session will include an interview and a series of assessments which will allow the SAP to determine the most appropriate level of care for treatment.
POST INITIAL SESSION
The SAP will devise a formal report within 48-72 hours which will include treatment recommendations that will be sent to the employer or assigned Designated Employer Representative (DER) and you will be notified of the recommendations. The SAP will further provide you with local resources for treatment or educational services. Treatment progress will be monitored with regular contact with the treatment provider of your choosing.
FOLLOW-UP-SESSION
After you’ve completed the required treatment recommendations, you will schedule an appointment with the SAP for a face-to-face follow-up session in which the SAP will determine if you’ve completed all requirements. Completion will be based on compliance with the treatment recommendations.
POST FOLLOW-UP-SESSION
The SAP will devise a formal follow-up report that will be sent to the employer or DER assigned of the status of your assessment in addition to follow-up testing plan and aftercare plan in some cases. It is important to note that the SAP does NOT determine if you can return to work, rather it is your employer that determines if and/or when you can return to work once SAP requirements have been completed.
NOT SURE AND HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you are not sure and have more questions, please contact us and speak with our with our dedicated Evaluation coordinator Ronit Bird 215-394-8625.
At Liv Associates we understand the painful consequences of being removed from work due to substance use and misuse, and the courage it takes to reach out for help. Please feel free to contact us to answer any further questions regarding the challenges you’re facing.
MARINA LOMANNO, M.S., LPC, NCC, SAP
Marina Lomanno is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides services to those struggling with emotional challenges and transitions. She fosters a safe and nonjudgmental environment for individuals to explore their hurdles and develop confidence in working through a range of obstacles. Marina specializes in providing counseling to individuals struggling with adjustments, as she recognizes the hardships associated with aging, retirement, disabilities, being caregivers, and lacking support while going through these difficulties. She works with adults struggling to cope with mid-life changes, marital conflicts, divorce, young adulthood, relocation, late adulthood, among other life transitions.
Marina’s experiences in providing services within residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings gives her a strong understanding for the challenges associated with moving into independent living, need for social support, and value of balance and structure in aftercare. She creates an atmosphere where her clients can learn to better cope with their emotions, manage stress, improve communication, and increase mindfulness.
Marina has been certified by the ICRC and is trained in providing DOT-SAP evaluations for employees who perform safety sensitive duties that are regulated by the Department of Transportation.
Marina earned her Masters degree from Chestnut Hill College in Clinical Psychology and has worked with both adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, various addictions, relationship issues, adjustments, grief, and trauma. She believes that therapy is a collaborative relationship in which the therapist and client work together to achieve desired goals. Marina uses her sensitivity and clinical expertise to guide clients in finding comfort, clarity, and peace within themselves.