Professional, Respectful DOT Evaluations Focused on Your Success and Return to Work
Facing a DOT violation can feel overwhelming and uncertain, but this situation doesn’t define you or limit your future. As certified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs), we understand both the regulatory requirements and the human side of this process. We provide thorough, respectful evaluations and ongoing support that help you meet DOT requirements while focusing on your long-term success, wellbeing, and safe return to your safety-sensitive position.
At PIL Professional Counseling, our SAP services combine regulatory expertise with compassionate care. We guide you through each step of the process with dignity, professionalism, and genuine commitment to helping you succeed in your career and personal recovery journey.
The Department of Transportation requires specific steps following a positive drug or alcohol test or refusal to test. Understanding this process helps reduce anxiety and ensures you meet all requirements for returning to safety-sensitive duties.
Following a positive drug or alcohol test, refusal to test, or other DOT violation, you must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties. The SAP evaluation is the required first step toward potentially returning to work. This evaluation must be completed before any education or treatment begins.
The SAP evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that examines your substance use history, current situation, and what level of education or treatment is appropriate. This evaluation results in specific recommendations for your return-to-duty process.
Based on your evaluation, the SAP will recommend either education (for lower-risk situations) or treatment (for more significant substance use concerns). You must successfully complete these recommendations before proceeding to the next step.
After completing your recommended education or treatment, you’ll return for a follow-up evaluation to determine if you’re ready for return-to-duty testing and what ongoing monitoring is required.
A thorough, respectful assessment following your DOT violation. We’ll review your substance use history, assess your current situation, and determine the appropriate level of education or treatment needed. This evaluation forms the foundation for your return-to-duty process.
Based on your evaluation, we’ll provide specific recommendations for DOT-compliant education programs or treatment services. We work with quality providers and can help connect you with appropriate resources.
When you’ve completed your recommended education or treatment, we’ll conduct a follow-up evaluation to assess your progress and determine your readiness for return-to-duty testing and ongoing monitoring requirements.
We provide the required ongoing monitoring and support to help ensure your continued success in maintaining sobriety and performing your safety-sensitive duties effectively and safely.
Our SAP services go beyond just meeting regulatory requirements – we’re invested in your long-term success both professionally and personally. Through our comprehensive SAP process, you can:
Ensure full compliance with federal regulations for returning to safety-sensitive duties
Get clear direction from experienced SAPs who understand both the regulations and recovery process
Connect with reputable education and treatment providers that meet DOT standards
Work with SAPs who treat you with respect and understanding throughout the process
Develop practical tools for maintaining sobriety and managing triggers in high-stress work environments
Get clear information about follow-up testing and monitoring requirements
Develop strategies for maintaining both your career and your recovery over time
Understand your rights and responsibilities in returning to work after a DOT violation
Receive continued guidance and support throughout your monitoring period
Learn strategies to avoid future substance use issues that could jeopardize your career
We understand that going through the SAP process can be stressful and overwhelming. Our approach combines regulatory expertise with genuine care for your success:
Thorough knowledge of all DOT regulations and requirements to ensure proper completion
Maintain strict confidentiality while providing professional, respectful evaluations
Tailor our evaluation and recommendations to your specific situation and needs
Connections with reputable education and treatment providers that meet DOT standards
Provide clear explanations of requirements, recommendations, and next steps throughout the process
Continued availability for questions and support throughout your monitoring period
Understanding of how the SAP process affects your career and working to support your professional goals
Helping you integrate recovery principles with the demands of safety-sensitive work
SAP evaluations are required by federal law following specific DOT violations. If you’ve experienced a DOT violation, SAP services are not optional – they’re a required step for returning to safety-sensitive work.
SAP services are federally mandated and must be completed by qualified SAPs. Attempting to return to safety-sensitive duties without proper SAP evaluation and clearance violates federal regulations and can result in serious penalties.
Don’t let a DOT violation derail your career permanently. Our experienced SAPs are here to guide you through the process professionally and compassionately, helping you meet all requirements while supporting your long-term success and recovery.
