What are substance abuse specialists, and what do they do?
In 1983, the U.S. probation and pretrial services system created specialist positions to provide intensive supervision to substance abusers. This step allowed districts to set up specialized caseloads to meet the demands these particular cases generate. Specialists are senior officers whose job is to oversee and manage the SATP in their offices. They oversee contract treatment services to ensure that contractors deliver the services required. They may supervise a caseload or may just monitor contracts. They serve as experts in confronting substance abuse and intervening to provide appropriate correctional treatment, training and directing their fellow officers in substance abuse matters.
