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Course Description
Counselors and investigators, here’s a little secret: The eight hours of refresher training that you are required to receive every year does not have to be the same old boring training. FELTG believes that your eight-hour refresher training can and should be interesting, engaging and compelling.
By attending five courses during FELTG’s summer conference-like virtual training Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends you’ll be able to earn all eight of your hours and receive critical guidance on important EEO topics, such as: EEO timelines, best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses, trends in reasonable accommodation, the very latest on sexual orientation and gender discrimination, what happens when disabilities and FMLA overlap, and more. Plus, you’ll get the chance to ask questions of the resident authorities who collectively have seen almost everything in the world of EEO. Attendees will also receive a certificate of attendance verifying they’ve met the annual training requirement. We hope to see you there.
At-a-Glance Schedule
- Monday, July 27: 12:30 – 4:00 pm eastern (3 refresher hours)
- Wednesday, July 29: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm eastern (5 refresher hours)
Who Should Attend
EEO Counselors and EEO Investigators; others with an interest in EEO law are welcome to attend
Download Individual Registration Form
Monday, July 27, 2020
Counselor & Investigator Refresher Jump Start
Pre-session
12:30 – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 2-2:30)
What Every Counselor and Investigator Needs to Know in 2020
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor
(Earn 3 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours)
Hey counselors and investigators! FELTG’s special event Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends provides an opportunity for you to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training with useful, timely, and engaging guidance. Ms. Atkinson kicks things off with an in-depth presentation on the foundational issues that EEO professionals need to know – everything from jurisdiction and pre-complaint counseling considerations, to best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses.
Learning takeaways
Attendees will learn how to:
- Understand timeliness issues like tolling and estoppel.
- Identify the appropriate bases for dismissing a complaint.
- Prepare and conduct effective witness interviews.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Handling EEO Challenges
Session 5
9:30 – 10:45 am EDT
Reasonable Accommodation in 75 Minutes
Presented by Dwight Lewis, former EEOC Chief AJ/Dallas Region, FELTG Instructor.
(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)
As the Chief Administrative Judge of the EEOC’s Dallas Region for many years, Dwight Lewis saw his fair share of cases where agencies made reasonable accommodation mistakes. In this fast-paced session, Mr. Lewis will prepare you to be better equipped to navigate the reasonable accommodation process and avoid those mistakes he’s seen so often. The session will cover everything from defining a disability to determining undue hardship, and will highlight the importance of the interactive process in determining what accommodation is reasonable.
Learning takeaways
Attendees will learn how to:
- Effectively navigate the interactive process.
- Determine when telework would be an appropriate accommodation.
- Explain who gets to choose the accommodation, and why
Session 6
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT
The Latest on Sexual Orientation and Transgender Discrimination
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President.
(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)
The Supreme Court will be handing down a decision on the Zarda, Bostock, R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes cases before thistraining event. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will share her analysis of the High Court ruling and explain the impact it will have on the federal workplace. Over 75 minutes, Ms. Hopkins will also bring you up to speed on the law, gender stereotyping as sex discrimination, same-sex discrimination, harassment not motivated by sexual desire, and much more.
Learning takeaways
Attendees will learn how to:
- Understand the statutory authorities that prohibit sex-based discrimination.
- Define terms and concepts that apply to LGBTQ+ employees.
- Identify actions that get agencies into EEO trouble.
Session 7
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT
When the ADA and FMLA Collide
Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor.
(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)
Navigating the FMLA is one of the most complex challenges a federal agency can face unless, of course, it is navigating the ADA at the same time. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will compare and contrast coverage under the FMLA and coverage under the ADA, discuss the tricky role of medical documentation, and review leave under the FMLA and as a reasonable accommodation.
Learning takeaways
Attendees will learn how to:
- Explain the difference between a serious health condition and an ADA disability.
- Handle excessive absences under FMLA.
- Request the appropriate medical documentation, without violating employee rights to confidentiality.
Session 8
3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT
Navigating the Morass of Mixed Cases
Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor.
(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)
Few things create as much confusion among even experienced federal attorneys, EEO specialists, or HR professionals as mixed cases. We are here to help. Join Bob Woods as he untangles this often-complicated area when MSPB and EEOC both have potential jurisdiction over a case. What do you do when a mixed case lands on your desk? You’ll learn if you attend this session.
Learning takeaways
Attendees will learn how to:
- Discuss procedural options for processing mixed cases.
- Identify potential jurisdictional issues in mixed case processing.
- Explain the role of the Special Panel.
Pricing
- Early bird price is $725.
- See registration for full pricing details.
- Early Bird discounts available until July 15!
Event FAQs
- Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
- FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
- Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
- CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees. If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
- Can I share my access link with co-workers?
- No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
- Can I register a teleworker?
- This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
- How do I receive a group rate discount?
- Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the EEO refresher registration option. Group discounts are available through July 15.