Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Apr
30
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Apr 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
May
2
Thu
Webinar – Successfully Managing Federal Employees with Mental Health Disabilities
May 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Shana Palmieri 

Course Description

If one of your employees had a mental health crisis in the workplace, would you know what to do? This isn’t a far-fetched scenario. Almost 18 percent of all adults have a mental illness diagnosis at some point in their lives. This 90-minute webinar will provide you with an understanding of mental health conditions and the impact they have on the individual, as well as strategies to effectively provide supervision and management to ensure a productive workplace.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Shana Palmieri will help you walk the tenuous line between providing accommodations and support for a mental health condition and holding employees accountable for their work performance.

Attendees will leave this webinar with strategies to:

  • Improve performance and success for employees with mental health conditions.
  • Effectively accommodate employees with behavioral health conditions.
  • Set appropriate boundaries and expectations in the workplace.

This class focuses on the practical and clinical side of managing employees with behavioral health conditions, rather than the legal side. You won’t want to miss it.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per webinar per site (registration submitted by April 8)

Standard Tuition: $305 per webinar per site (registration submitted April 9 or later)

Register for both webinars by April 8 and pay only $530.

Add a teleworker for $35 per webinar, in addition to a main site registration, if space permits.

May
14
Tue
Developing & Defending Discipline: Holding Federal Employees Accountable – Denver @ Sheraton Denver West
May 14 – May 16 all-day

This class is nearly full. Consider registering for this program in Washington, DC June 25-27 or Atlanta, GA September 17-19.

Download Registration Form

Holding federal employees accountable for performance and conduct is easier than you might think. Too many supervisors believe that an employee’s protected activity (EEO complaints, whistleblower disclosures, or union activity) precludes the supervisor from initiating a suspension or removal, but that’s just not true.

FELTG is here to make federal supervisors’ lives easier by clarifying those misconceptions while helping supervisors understand how to take defensible misconduct actions quickly and fairly – actions that withstand scrutiny on appeal by the MSPB, EEOC, or in grievance arbitration. Plus, if you have a non-performing employee working for you now, we show you how you can remove that employee from your workplace in 31 days, among many other things. Join us for this three-day seminar and come away with the tools you need to hold your employees accountable.

The program runs 8:30 – 4:00 each day and meets OPM’s mandatory training requirements for federal supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Meghan Droste

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; penalty defense and due process; discipline procedures and appeals; psychology of performance appraisal; performance-based removal procedures.

Wednesday

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Completing a performance action; team workshop; handling the absent employee and dealing with attendance issues; medical removals; union considerations; mentorship in the federal government.

Thursday

Defending Against Discrimination Complaints: The Supervisor’s Role: The role of EEO in the federal government; defining protected categories: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information and reprisal; theories of discrimination; agency defenses; what to do if you’re a Responding Management Official in a complaint; what happens if you’re called as an EEO witness.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by April 30):

  • 3 days = $1380
  • 2 days = $980
  • 1 day = $540

Standard Tuition (register May 1 – May 16):

  • 3 days = $1480
  • 2 days = $1080
  • 1 day = $640

Seminar registration includes a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 4th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins.

Lodging

The host hotel, the Sheraton Denver West, has a limited block of rooms set aside at the per diem rate. Call the hotel directly at 303-987-2000 and mention this training event to receive the special rate.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
May 14 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
May
28
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
May 28 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
Jun
11
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jun 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
Jun
25
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jun 25 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
Jun
27
Thu
Webinar – Employee Sexual Misconduct: Discipline Early to Make Your Agency a Safer Place
Jun 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1.5

In 2017, an MSPB survey revealed that more than 20 percent of female federal employees were sexually harassed in the workplace between 2014 and 2016. There has been a lot of talk about the need for training on this important topic. But now it’s time for action.

Let FELTG help you take that action. Join us for the 90-minute webinar Employee Sexual Misconduct: Discipline Early to Make Your Agency a Safer Place. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins, attorney at law, will show you how to address sexual harassment in the federal government as MISCONDUCT — not just as an EEO issue.

We’ll discuss the foundational law and how sexual harassment cases come to be, but our emphasis will be on STOPPING it from happening by addressing the misconduct before it becomes a problem. Case examples will show you the best ways to handle inappropriate sexual conduct from employees and supervisors – and things to avoid. We hope you’ll be able to attend this important discussion.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site (payment required by June 17)

Standard Tuition: $305 per site (for payments made June 18 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $35 each, if space is available.

Jul
9
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jul 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
Jul
11
Thu
Webinar – Words Matter: Drafting Defensible Charges in Misconduct Cases
Jul 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

If you’ve attended a FELTG training or read our newsletters, you know how important we believe word selection is when framing charges of employee misconduct. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins, attorney at law, will conduct a 90-minute webinar discussing best practices for drafting disciplinary documents that will withstand even the harshest scrutiny by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) or an arbitrator.

After the proper statutory foundation is laid, this program will cover:

  • The four mandatory rules of charging
  • The three styles of charging
  • Charge specifications and label elements
  • Why less is more in proposal and decision letters
  • Specific words to use – and avoid – in drafting charging documents

Whether you’re new to drafting disciplinary documents, or you’ve been doing it for years, your work will be more efficient, professional, and defensible if you participate in this program. Register your site today!

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site (payment required by July 1)

Standard Tuition: $305 per site (for payments made July 2 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $35 each, if space is available.

Jul
15
Mon
Emerging Issues Week: The Federal Workplace’s Most Challenging Situations – Washington, DC @ International Student House (ISH) – Ella Burling Hall
Jul 15 – Jul 19 all-day

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah HopkinsShana Palmieri, Katherine AtkinsonAnthony Marchese

Course Description

Navigating your role in the modern federal workplace requires not just the legal knowledge, but also the practical skills to handle the most intense and challenging situations. For example, do you know what to do in the following scenarios?

  • An employee with bipolar disorder is having a manic episode in the workplace.
  • An employee threatens violence or suicide.
  • An employee claims she is being sexually harassed by one of your best performers.
  • You’ve heard reports that another manager is bullying an employee.
  • An employee is requesting leave or telework as a reasonable accommodation.
  • An employee is wasting time on social media when he is supposed to be working.

We will provide you the specific legal, practical and clinical guidance you need to reply effectively in these and many other difficult situations during our all-new Emerging Issues Week. You’ll gain the tools to better understand how to:

  • Deal with employees who have mental and behavioral health issues.
  • Handle sexual harassment and bullying claims.
  • Manage risk in your agency.
  • Handle the conflicts that take your employees off task.
  • Respond appropriately to the most challenging reasonable accommodation requests.

Daily Agenda:

Monday

Handling Behavioral Health Issues: An overview of the ADA requirements on accommodating individuals with mental impairments and other behavioral health issues; your agency’s legal obligation to provide its employees with a safe workplace; types of mental disabilities and how they may exhibit in the workplace; PTSD, substance abuse disorders; dos and don’ts when working with employees who have behavioral health issues.

Tuesday

Dealing with Threats of Violence: Handling the psychiatric emergency; legal considerations for federal agencies; dangerous scenarios during the notice period; myths and facts about targeted violence in the workplace; dealing with suicidal employees; individual characteristics that put an employee at higher risk of committing an act of violence; how to develop and implement an in-house threat management team to deal with threat assessments, risk management, and the best ways to keep employees safe during a crisis; steps to take if someone becomes violent in the workplace.

Wednesday

Employee Conflict Management: Managing vs. leading; difficult employee personality types; potential generational conflicts; using structured communication with your employees; learning how to “Flex” in difficult conversations with others; conflict resolution skills; utilizing a team-based approach in the federal government.

Thursday

Harassment Allegations and Investigations: Differentiating between EEO and non-EEO harassment; investigating harassment allegations; the intersection with criminal investigations; bullying; special considerations in light of #MeToo and #TimesUp.

Friday

The Nontraditional Workplace: Telework, Reasonable Accommodation, and Technology Challenges: Accountability for a mobile workforce; telework or flexible schedules as reasonable accommodation; challenges with technology in the federal workplace.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 1):

  • 5 days = $2170
  • 4 days = $1780
  • 3 days = $1370
  • 2 days = $970
  • 1 day = $530

Standard Tuition (register July 2 – July 19):

  • 5 days = $2270
  • 4 days = $1880
  • 3 days = $1470
  • 2 days = $1070
  • 1 day = $630

 

Metro, Parking, Directions

Metro: The International Student House (1825 R Street NW) is located in convenient proximity to the Red Line. Exit Metro at the Dupont Circle station and proceed to the Q Street/North exit. Head north (you will come off the escalator facing north; if you use the elevator take a left after exiting) on Connecticut Avenue to R Street NW (approximately one block). Turn right onto R Street NW. Cross 19th Street NW and the International Student House will be on the left side of the street approximately halfway down the block. If you reach the Bikeshare dock, you’ve gone too far. Approximate walk time: 7-10 minutes.

Parking: Street parking is metered and is limited to two hours, unless you have a Washington, DC, Zone 2 parking pass. The closest parking garage is at 11 Dupont Circle, approximately two blocks from the International Student House (1825 R Street NW). Approximate walk time: 5 -7 minutes.

From the Carlyle Hotel: After exiting the Carlyle Hotel, turn left. At the first intersection, R Street NW, turn right. Proceed approximately one block. The International Student House (1825 R Street NW) will be on your right, just past the Bikeshare dock. Approximate walk time: 4-6 minutes.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Jul
22
Mon
Managing Federal Employee Accountability – Portland
Jul 22 – Jul 26 all-day

Download Registration Form

Attention, all federal supervisors (and those who advise them): this is a program you can’t afford to miss. This week covers a range of topics including employee accountability for conduct and performance, managing leave abuse, handling EEO complaints, reasonable accommodation, workplace management and leadership skills, and managing difficult employees.

Supervisors who complete this training meet OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

The program runs 8:30 – 4:00 each day.

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Monday

Uncivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Conduct: Fundamentals of disciplinary actions; establishing rules of conduct; proving misconduct; selecting a defensible penalty; providing due process via agency discipline procedures; drafting disciplinary documents; alternatives to discipline.

Tuesday

Maximizing Accountability in Performance: Eliminating unnecessary barriers to addressing poor performance; analyzing your existing appraisal systems; writing clear, measurable, and enforceable performance standards; Within Grade Increases (WIGIs); eliminating unacceptable performance requirements that are not based on law/regulation; employee opportunity periods.

Wednesday

Handling Employee Leave Issues: An overview of leave types and entitlements; annual leave; sick leave; AWOL and Leave Without Pay; FMLA crash course; medical certification requirements; substitution of paid leave; handling complicated leave issues; leave abuse.

Thursday

The Supervisor’s Role in EEO: The role of EEO in the federal government; defining protected categories: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information and reprisal; documentation to help you defend against frivolous complaints; what to do if you’re a Responding Management Official in a complaint.

Friday

Effectively Managing Today’s Federal Workforce: Communicating effectively with employees; managing teleworkers; managing a multigenerational workforce; handling difficult employees; mentorship.

Supervisors who attend the full week will receive a certificate verifying participation in OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors, found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 8):

  • 5 days = $2180
  • 4 days = $1790
  • 3 days = $1380
  • 2 days = $980
  • 1 day = $540

Standard Tuition (register July 9 – July 26):

  • 5 days = $2280
  • 4 days = $1890
  • 3 days = $1480
  • 2 days = $1080
  • 1 day = $640

Registered participants will receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant, fourth edition, by Wiley and Hopkins.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Jul
23
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jul 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
Jul
31
Wed
Webinar – Enjoined No More: What the Latest Decision on President Trump’s EOs Means for Today – And Tomorrow
Jul 31 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins, Joe Schimansky

Course Description

The drama continues.

President Trump issued three Executive Orders last year aimed at curtailing union activity and increasing supervisors’ ability to hold employees accountable for misconduct and shoddy performance. Three months later, several provisions of those Executive Orders were set aside as illegal, per a D.C. District Court judge decision.

And now, almost a year since the District Court decision, its ruling has been overturned by an Appeals Court. The Executive Orders are no longer enjoined.

If you think this all seems confusing, you’re not alone. As always, you can count on FELTG to help you through these confusing times. Join FELTG President and Attorney at Law Deborah Hopkins and Joseph Schimansky, former Executive Director of the Federal Service Impasses Panel (FSIP), on July 31 for a 60-minute discussion about the most important takeaways from this decision. They will explain the key provisions of the Executive Orders, and spell out  exactly your agencies can, cannot, and should do under these EOs.

You’ll leave this important webinar with answers to the the 6 Ws:

  • Who is impacted by the latest decision?
  • What did the District and Appeals Courts actually decide?
  • Why did the courts make those decisions?
  • Where will the next challenge to the Executive Orders take place?
  • When will this all finally be resolved?
  • What does this mean for us today?

You can’t afford to miss this session. Register your site now.

Price

  • $225 per site through July 26, 2019.
  • $255 per site July 27, 2019 and later.

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $35 each, on a space-available basis.

Aug
6
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Aug 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
Aug
20
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Aug 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
Sep
3
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Sep 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm

Course Description

 

Back by popular demand, and updated for 2019! Join FELTG for the most comprehensive supervisory training event available anywhere. Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions, a 13-part webinar training series (with a bonus session for those who supervise unionized employees), is targeted specifically to the issues and challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These 60-minute sessions, held every other Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide federal supervisors with the necessary tools and best practices they need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. Plus, they’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers – in real time.

As a special bonus, the first six modules fulfill OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2019 dates:

March 5: Accountability for Performance and Conduct: The Foundation: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 19: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

April 2: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

April 16: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the system; defining elements and standards; creating the performance plan.

April 30: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance in a nutshell; preparing a performance case; proof and evidence standards.

May 14: Dealing with Poor Performing Employees: Managing the PIP; proposed removal letters; unacceptable performance documents. 

May 28: Mentoring a Multigenerational Workforce: What OPM says about mentorship; mentorship styles; formal and informal mentorship; pilot mentorship programs; best practices for leadership; handling difficult employee types. 

June 11: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 25: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 9: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

July 23: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 6: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses. 

August 20: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 3: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Price

  • $225 per site, per session.
  • Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $35 each, per session, on a space-available basis.
  • Special series discounts available through March 1. See registration form for details.
Sep
17
Tue
Developing & Defending Discipline: Holding Federal Employees Accountable – Atlanta @ TWELVE Hotel Centennial Park
Sep 17 – Sep 19 all-day

Download Registration Form

Holding federal employees accountable for performance and conduct is easier than you might think. Too many supervisors believe that an employee’s protected activity (EEO complaints, whistleblower disclosures, or union activity) precludes the supervisor from initiating a suspension or removal, but that’s just not true.

FELTG is here to make federal supervisors’ lives easier by clarifying those misconceptions while helping supervisors understand how to take defensible misconduct actions quickly and fairly – actions that withstand scrutiny on appeal by the MSPB, EEOC, or in grievance arbitration. Plus, if you have a non-performing employee working for you now, we show you how you can remove that employee from your workplace in 31 days, among many other things. Join us for this three-day seminar and come away with the tools you need to hold your employees accountable.

The program runs 8:30 – 4:00 each day and meets OPM’s mandatory training requirements for federal supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Dwight Lewis

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; penalty defense and due process; discipline procedures and appeals; psychology of performance appraisal; performance-based removal procedures.

Wednesday

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Completing a performance action; team workshop; handling the absent employee and dealing with attendance issues; medical removals; union considerations; mentorship in the federal government.

Thursday

Defending Against Discrimination Complaints: The Supervisor’s Role: The role of EEO in the federal government; defining protected categories: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information and reprisal; theories of discrimination; agency defenses; what to do if you’re a Responding Management Official in a complaint; what happens if you’re called as an EEO witness.

Pricing

    • Early Bird Tuition (register by September 3):
      • 3 days = $1380
      • 2 days = $980
      • 1 day = $540

      Standard Tuition (register September 4 – September 19):

      • 3 days = $1480
      • 2 days = $1080
      • 1 day = $640

       

Seminar registration includes a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 4th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins.

Lodging

The hotel has a limited block of rooms reserved for the event at the federal per diem rate. Please contact the hotel directly at 404-418-1212 and reference FELTG when booking.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training will not be refunded, and will not be given credit toward another course after the cancellation date on the registration form. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Sep
26
Thu
Webinar – Suicidal Employees in the Federal Workplace: Your Actions Can Save a Life
Sep 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Shana Palmieri

Course Description

In 2016, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States, killing more than 44,000 people. And 291 of those suicides took place in the workplace.

As suicide rates continue to rise, the impact is becoming more severe on the workplace. Join Shana Palmieri, LCSW for this 90-minute webinar as she discusses the behavior health disorders that lead to suicide risk, provides an overview of suicide and suicidal ideation in the United States and in the workplace, and shares real answers on what you can do and when to save an employee’s life.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the signs and symptoms of suicide that indicate the need for professional intervention
  • Effectively communicate to employees about suicide
  • Handle a suicidal crisis in the workplace

The webinar will also include time for Q & A on these topics. This is a session you truly can’t afford to miss, so register your site today.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site (payment required by September 16)

Standard Tuition: $305 per site (for payments made September 17 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $35 each, if space is available.

Oct
3
Thu
Webinar – Dealing with Unacceptable Performance: Fast and Effective Accountability Tools for Agencies
Oct 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

Agencies have a problem addressing unacceptable performance. How else do you explain that nearly 75 percent of non-supervisory federal employees believe supervisors fail to take the necessary steps to address poor performance?

In this 90-minute webinar, FELTG President, attorney and author Deborah Hopkins will answer the question: How does an agency take appropriate, defensible action against poor performers?

Ms. Hopkins will explain the appropriate procedures to take when initiating an Opportunity to Demonstrate Acceptable Performance and will highlight mistakes that your agency can’t afford to make, and show you how to remove a poor performer from the federal service in just 31 days.

In addition, Ms Hopkins will discuss:

  • Critical time periods for the stages of performance-based actions
  • How to draft and deliver performance documents
  • The importance of holding employees accountable throughout the process
  • Tips for managing problem employees during the notice period
  • The necessary levels of proof an agency must maintain to defend a performance-based suspension or termination

Attend this FELTG seminar to learn the appropriate methods to safeguard your agency when removing poor performers, and guarantee that your actions will stand.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site (payment required by September 23)

Standard Tuition: $305 per site (for payments made September 24 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $35 each, if space is available.

Oct
16
Wed
Webinar Series – Absence Due to Illness: Tackling Challenges with Sick Leave and FMLA
Oct 16 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

William Wiley, Barbara Haga

Course Description

Absence due to illness has changed the landscape in dealing with federal workplace issues.  Problems arise when employees are absent – let alone the huge amounts of leave entitlements tied to family member medical conditions.

Administering sick leave can be complicated, and proper documentation is critical.  The Family & Medical Leave Act adds an additional layer of complexity to these illness-related absences.  When can you require medical examinations? When can you take action on excessive absences?

If you need more information on absence related to illness so you are able to answer those tough questions on sick leave and FMLA – or if you want to ensure that the adverse action case you assemble will withstand the scrutiny of the MSPB – then this webinar series is custom-made for you.

While the near future of the Merit Systems Protection Board remains uncertain, FELTG is staying on top of the situation and will provide attendees with the most up-to-date information they need to know.

Instructors Deborah Hopkins, William Wiley, and Barbara Haga will guide you through these thorny issues. Register for any or all of the sessions.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave, Part I (October 16)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave, Part II  (October 30)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – Understanding FMLA (November 13)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

You’ll have the chance to ask your questions, and get them answered in real time, during each of these 90-minute sessions.  Register your site today.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per webinar per site (registration submitted by October 7)

Standard Tuition: $305 per webinar per site (registration submitted October 8 or later)

Register for all three webinars by October 7 and pay only $795.

Add a teleworker for $35 per webinar, in addition to a main site registration, if space permits.

 

Oct
30
Wed
Webinar Series – Absence Due to Illness: Tackling Challenges with Sick Leave and FMLA
Oct 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

William Wiley, Barbara Haga

Course Description

Absence due to illness has changed the landscape in dealing with federal workplace issues.  Problems arise when employees are absent – let alone the huge amounts of leave entitlements tied to family member medical conditions.

Administering sick leave can be complicated, and proper documentation is critical.  The Family & Medical Leave Act adds an additional layer of complexity to these illness-related absences.  When can you require medical examinations? When can you take action on excessive absences?

If you need more information on absence related to illness so you are able to answer those tough questions on sick leave and FMLA – or if you want to ensure that the adverse action case you assemble will withstand the scrutiny of the MSPB – then this webinar series is custom-made for you.

While the near future of the Merit Systems Protection Board remains uncertain, FELTG is staying on top of the situation and will provide attendees with the most up-to-date information they need to know.

Instructors Deborah Hopkins, William Wiley, and Barbara Haga will guide you through these thorny issues. Register for any or all of the sessions.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave, Part I (October 16)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave, Part II  (October 30)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – Understanding FMLA (November 13)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

You’ll have the chance to ask your questions, and get them answered in real time, during each of these 90-minute sessions.  Register your site today.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per webinar per site (registration submitted by October 7)

Standard Tuition: $305 per webinar per site (registration submitted October 8 or later)

Register for all three webinars by October 7 and pay only $795.

Add a teleworker for $35 per webinar, in addition to a main site registration, if space permits.

 

Oct
31
Thu
Webinar – Threats of Violence in the Federal Workplace: Assessing Risk and Taking Action
Oct 31 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Shana Palmieri

Course Description

Workplace violence statistics tell a harrowing story. About 17 percent of all workplace fatalities in 2016 were the result of workplace violence, according to the National Safety Council. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that nearly 2 million workers are victims of workplace violence. And an estimated 25 percent of workplace violence goes unreported.

This topic is too important to ignore. Join FELTG for the webinar Threats of Violence in the Federal Workplace: Assessing Risk and Taking Action. This program will be instructed by Shana Palmieri, FELTG instructor and LCSW who specializes in mental health and handled the psychiatric aftermath of the Navy Yard shooting in 2013.

The session is focused on the practical issues that agencies encounter when dealing with an employee whose behavior poses a risk to workplace safety. Discussion points include:

  • Warning signs that violence may be imminent, and dynamic risk and protective factors for workplace targeted violence
  • Equipping Threat Management Teams to respond to threats or violent acts
  • Understanding the behavioral health issues that contribute to violent behavior – and those that don’t
  • Preparing for domestic or intimate partner violence and its interplay with the federal workplace

The webinar will also include time for Q & A on these topics. This is a session you truly can’t afford to miss, so register your site today.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site (payment required by October 21)

Standard Tuition: $305 per site (for payments made October 22 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $35 each, if space is available.

Nov
13
Wed
Webinar Series – Absence Due to Illness: Tackling Challenges with Sick Leave and FMLA
Nov 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

William Wiley, Barbara Haga

Course Description

Absence due to illness has changed the landscape in dealing with federal workplace issues.  Problems arise when employees are absent – let alone the huge amounts of leave entitlements tied to family member medical conditions.

Administering sick leave can be complicated, and proper documentation is critical.  The Family & Medical Leave Act adds an additional layer of complexity to these illness-related absences.  When can you require medical examinations? When can you take action on excessive absences?

If you need more information on absence related to illness so you are able to answer those tough questions on sick leave and FMLA – or if you want to ensure that the adverse action case you assemble will withstand the scrutiny of the MSPB – then this webinar series is custom-made for you.

While the near future of the Merit Systems Protection Board remains uncertain, FELTG is staying on top of the situation and will provide attendees with the most up-to-date information they need to know.

Instructors Deborah Hopkins, William Wiley, and Barbara Haga will guide you through these thorny issues. Register for any or all of the sessions.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave, Part I (October 16)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave, Part II  (October 30)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – Understanding FMLA (November 13)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

You’ll have the chance to ask your questions, and get them answered in real time, during each of these 90-minute sessions.  Register your site today.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per webinar per site (registration submitted by October 7)

Standard Tuition: $305 per webinar per site (registration submitted October 8 or later)

Register for all three webinars by October 7 and pay only $795.

Add a teleworker for $35 per webinar, in addition to a main site registration, if space permits.

 

Feb
11
Tue
Advanced Employee Relations – Atlanta @ TWELVE Hotel Centennial Park
Feb 11 – Feb 13 all-day

Download Registration Form

Let’s face it: being a federal sector Employee Relations Specialist is a tough job. It’s great to know the basics, but the basics don’t always help you when you’re facing those really challenging situations. That’s when you realize that there is much more to learn. No worries. FELTG is presenting Advanced Employee Relations, a three-day seminar focused on immersing you in the employee relations training you need most.

You’ll receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, disability accommodation, and more. Plus, hands-on workshops will allow you to leave with the tools you’ll need to succeed. And it will all be taught by FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga.

Great training. Great instructor. Great location. Register now.

The program runs 8:30 – 4:30 each day.

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday

Leave and Attendance: Administering leave, with particular emphasis on sick leave, LWOP, and FMLA. Detailed review of sick leave provisions including authorized purposes for use of sick leave, limitations on use of sick leave for family care and bereavement, eligibility to use leave for care, notice requirements, acceptable documentation. Management actions to control use of leave and abuse of sick leave. Detailed review of FMLA provisions including eligibility to invoke FMLA, entitlement, coverage of family members, administration and notice requirements. Acceptable medical documentation under FMLA, definition of serious health condition. Substitution of paid leave. Discipline tied to FMLA. LWOP – when LWOP is mandatory, limits on granting LWOP, employee status while on extended LWOP. Other topics –issues related to annual leave and leave transfer, other leave entitlements.

Wednesday

Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance. GEAR initiative and other efforts focused on modifying Federal performance management system. Requirements for performance plans, including design of agency systems, rating schemes, and procedures for conducting appraisals. Revised DOD performance system to be implemented in 2016. Linkage between appraisal and other personnel management decisions, including reduction-in-force and within-grade increases. Writing effective and measurable performance criteria that will withstand third-party review, including a workshop where participants will do an in-depth review of performance plans. Requirements for successful performance-based actions – from drafting a PIP notice that will withstand scrutiny to conducting a bona fide PIP to ensuring that due process is met in effecting an action on unacceptable performance.

Thursday

Misconduct and Other Related Issues: Implementation of a successful disciplinary program – delegation of authority, role of advisors, warnings and cautions, use of administrative leave. Nexus. Dealing with comparators in determining a penalty. Involuntary actions – resignations and retirements. Ordering and Offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, disability retirement, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.

Pricing

    • Early Bird Tuition (register by January 31):
      • 3 days = $1370
      • 2 days = $970
      • 1 day = $530

      Standard Tuition (register February 1 – 13):

      • 3 days = $1470
      • 2 days = $1070
      • 1 day = $630

       

Lodging

The hotel has a limited block of rooms reserved for the event at the federal per diem rate. Please contact the hotel directly at 404-418-1212 and reference FELTG when booking, or use this link to book online: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1569526915772&key=GRP&app=resvlink.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training will not be refunded, and will not be given credit toward another course after the cancellation date on the registration form. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Mar
3
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Mar 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

FELTG is making its webinars easier to access during the COVID-19 closures and emergency telework scheduling, to ensure that proper training is still available when the majority of employees are working at home. Contact us at 844.283.3584 or [email protected] to find out how this applies to our webinars, or how you can bring FELTG’s off-the-shelf or custom webinars directly to your agency.

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky, Katherine Atkinson, Anthony Marchese

Course Description

Those of you who supervise federal employees know it can be a frustrating calling, especially when you face so many new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

Help is on the way. Register now for one, several, or all of the courses in FELTG’s comprehensive webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions. No other training provides the depth and breadth of guidance federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

Over the course of 14 webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse, and much much more.

This unique series has been updated to address the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing right now. The 60-minute webinars, held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide attendees with the necessary tools and best practices. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers from FELTG instructors – in real time.

As an added bonus, this series fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2020 dates:

March 3: The Foundations of Accountability: Performance vs. Misconduct: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 17: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the performance appraisal system; defining elements and standards; drafting standards according to legal requirements; creating the performance plan.

March 31: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; preparing and executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

April 14: Addressing Special Challenges with Performance: Permutations on performance accountability and the performance warning period; performance standards with multiple sub-components; managing teleworker performance; what do when a poor-performing employee requests reasonable accommodation.

April 28: Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference: Communicating performance expectations; providing ongoing feedback; positive vs. negative framing; why you shouldn’t wait until the mid-year to discuss performance issues; what OPM says about mentorship; leader as mentor.

May 12: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

May 26: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

June 9: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 23: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 7: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

July 21: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 4:  Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

August 18: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 1: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $240 per site, per session (payment required by Feb 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $2,925 for the first 13 webinars or $3,150 for all 14. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $270 per site, per session (payments made Feb. 25 or later).

 

Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $40 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Mar
17
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Mar 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

FELTG is making its webinars easier to access during the COVID-19 closures and emergency telework scheduling, to ensure that proper training is still available when the majority of employees are working at home. Contact us at 844.283.3584 or [email protected] to find out how this applies to our webinars, or how you can bring FELTG’s off-the-shelf or custom webinars directly to your agency.

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky, Katherine Atkinson, Anthony Marchese

Course Description

Those of you who supervise federal employees know it can be a frustrating calling, especially when you face so many new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

Help is on the way. Register now for one, several, or all of the courses in FELTG’s comprehensive webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions. No other training provides the depth and breadth of guidance federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

Over the course of 14 webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse, and much much more.

This unique series has been updated to address the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing right now. The 60-minute webinars, held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide attendees with the necessary tools and best practices. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers from FELTG instructors – in real time.

As an added bonus, this series fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2020 dates:

March 3: The Foundations of Accountability: Performance vs. Misconduct: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 17: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the performance appraisal system; defining elements and standards; drafting standards according to legal requirements; creating the performance plan.

March 31: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; preparing and executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

April 14: Addressing Special Challenges with Performance: Permutations on performance accountability and the performance warning period; performance standards with multiple sub-components; managing teleworker performance; what do when a poor-performing employee requests reasonable accommodation.

April 28: Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference: Communicating performance expectations; providing ongoing feedback; positive vs. negative framing; why you shouldn’t wait until the mid-year to discuss performance issues; what OPM says about mentorship; leader as mentor.

May 12: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

May 26: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

June 9: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 23: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 7: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

July 21: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 4:  Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

August 18: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 1: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $240 per site, per session (payment required by Feb 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $2,925 for the first 13 webinars or $3,150 for all 14. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $270 per site, per session (payments made Feb. 25 or later).

 

Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $40 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Mar
31
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Mar 31 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

FELTG is making its webinars easier to access during the COVID-19 closures and emergency telework scheduling, to ensure that proper training is still available when the majority of employees are working at home. Contact us at 844.283.3584 or [email protected] to find out how this applies to our webinars, or how you can bring FELTG’s off-the-shelf or custom webinars directly to your agency.

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky, Katherine Atkinson, Anthony Marchese

Course Description

Those of you who supervise federal employees know it can be a frustrating calling, especially when you face so many new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

Help is on the way. Register now for one, several, or all of the courses in FELTG’s comprehensive webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions. No other training provides the depth and breadth of guidance federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

Over the course of 14 webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse, and much much more.

This unique series has been updated to address the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing right now. The 60-minute webinars, held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide attendees with the necessary tools and best practices. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers from FELTG instructors – in real time.

As an added bonus, this series fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2020 dates:

March 3: The Foundations of Accountability: Performance vs. Misconduct: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 17: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the performance appraisal system; defining elements and standards; drafting standards according to legal requirements; creating the performance plan.

March 31: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; preparing and executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

April 14: Addressing Special Challenges with Performance: Permutations on performance accountability and the performance warning period; performance standards with multiple sub-components; managing teleworker performance; what do when a poor-performing employee requests reasonable accommodation.

April 28: Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference: Communicating performance expectations; providing ongoing feedback; positive vs. negative framing; why you shouldn’t wait until the mid-year to discuss performance issues; what OPM says about mentorship; leader as mentor.

May 12: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

May 26: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

June 9: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 23: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 7: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

July 21: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 4:  Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

August 18: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 1: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $240 per site, per session (payment required by Feb 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $2,925 for the first 13 webinars or $3,150 for all 14. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $270 per site, per session (payments made Feb. 25 or later).

 

Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $40 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Apr
14
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Apr 14 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

FELTG is making its webinars easier to access during the COVID-19 closures and emergency telework scheduling, to ensure that proper training is still available when the majority of employees are working at home. Contact us at 844.283.3584 or [email protected] to find out how this applies to our webinars, or how you can bring FELTG’s off-the-shelf or custom webinars directly to your agency.

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky, Katherine Atkinson, Anthony Marchese

Course Description

Those of you who supervise federal employees know it can be a frustrating calling, especially when you face so many new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

Help is on the way. Register now for one, several, or all of the courses in FELTG’s comprehensive webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions. No other training provides the depth and breadth of guidance federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

Over the course of 14 webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse, and much much more.

This unique series has been updated to address the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing right now. The 60-minute webinars, held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, will expand upon legal principles to provide attendees with the necessary tools and best practices. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers from FELTG instructors – in real time.

As an added bonus, this series fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2020 dates:

March 3: The Foundations of Accountability: Performance vs. Misconduct: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 17: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the performance appraisal system; defining elements and standards; drafting standards according to legal requirements; creating the performance plan.

March 31: Preparing an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; preparing and executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

April 14: Addressing Special Challenges with Performance: Permutations on performance accountability and the performance warning period; performance standards with multiple sub-components; managing teleworker performance; what do when a poor-performing employee requests reasonable accommodation.

April 28: Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference: Communicating performance expectations; providing ongoing feedback; positive vs. negative framing; why you shouldn’t wait until the mid-year to discuss performance issues; what OPM says about mentorship; leader as mentor.

May 12: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action. 

May 26: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability. 

June 9: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer. 

June 23: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 7: Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

July 21: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination. 

August 4:  Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship. 

August 18: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity. 

September 1: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs. 

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $240 per site, per session (payment required by Feb 24).
  • Special series discounts available through February 24: $2,925 for the first 13 webinars or $3,150 for all 14. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $270 per site, per session (payments made Feb. 25 or later).

 

Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $40 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Apr
21
Tue
Virtual Training Event: Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law
Apr 21 – Apr 23 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

These are challenging times for the federal workforce. Over three days, the FELTG Virtual Training Institute will broadcast nine live instructor-led sessions, aimed at providing you with the latest legal and practical guidance to meet these current challenges.

Renew your efforts to hold employees accountable for performance and conduct. Review your responsibilities regarding leave, reasonable accommodation, investigating harassment, and preventing discrimination in the workplace. Stay current on case law. Learn strategies for managing teleworkers – and for managing your own stress and handling employee stress during these trying times. And much more.

There’s no need to feel isolated – even if you’re working alone at home. The open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law program offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, we’ll provide a forum for participants to get in touch and discuss the issues after the sessions are over.

You can register for any of the sessions individually. You can register for a whole day. Or you can register for the whole program. Earn CLE credits and EEO refresher training credits. Three days. Nine sessions. Eight instructors. We’d love to have you join us.

Download Individual Registration Form



Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Performance, Conduct and Legal Updates

Session 1
10:30 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Accountability for Conduct: Taking Defensible Disciplinary Actions
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: This session begins with a discussion on the foundation of supervisory authority, and it will clarify the too-common misconceptions that prevent federal agencies from taking successful misconduct actions against employees. Attendees will learn the five elements that must be present in a disciplinary case, with a special focus on penalty justification and due process requirements. Attendees will leave with the guidance necessary to take defensible actions quickly and fairly – and to ensure that those actions will withstand scrutiny on appeal by the MSPB, EEOC, or in grievance arbitration. Earn 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the legal definition of discipline, and which corrective actions are not discipline under the law.
  • Identify the legal elements required in every disciplinary case, and the standard of proof to take a defensible action.
  • Use the Douglas Factors in penalty determination.

Session 2
1:00 – 2:30 pm EDT
Unacceptable Performance: Streamlining the Procedures
Presented by William Wiley, Attorney at Law, FELTG Past President

Course Description: When it comes to poor performance, the one action you can’t afford to take is not taking action. Yet, when you do take a performance-based action, there are limitless mistakes that can trip you up and result in lost appeals. During this session, Bill Wiley shares the tools you need to confidently and effectively address poor performance, including initiating a performance demonstration period/PIP, the evidence and documentation needed to justify a performance-based action, and a secret trick on removing an employee for poor performance without using a demonstration period/PIP. After this session, attendees will have the tools necessary to remove an unacceptable performer in 31 days. Earn 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Recognize the standards of proof needed for a performance-based action.
  • Implement recent Executive Orders and OPM guidance into your performance procedures.
  • Successfully take a defensible performance-based action.

Session 3
3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT 
Federal Employment Law Update: Recent Developments at the EEOC, FLRA and MSPB
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: In the world of federal employment law, things can change quickly; there has been more action in the past three years than in the last 35 years before. Join FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm for a review of the most recent and relevant cases, regulations, studies and reports from the EEOC, FLRA and MSPB, plus information from OPM and the Office of Special Counsel. She will also cover the very latest on Executive Orders 13836, 13836, 13837 and 13839. Attendees will leave with knowledge of recent developments and with an in-depth analysis of the current employment law climate and its impact on the federal workplace. Earn 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the most critical recent decisions from the EEOC and FLRA.
  • Explain the status and impact of President Trump’s Executive Orders regarding the federal workplace.
  • Understand the current status of the MSPB and how the lack of quorum impacts agency actions and appeals.


Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Managing and Advising During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Session 4
10:30 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Handling Current Leave Challenges in the Federal Workplace
Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

Course description: Barbara Haga will review some of the most pressing issues involving leave, including tough questions related to FMLA and sick leave, the paid family leave provisions expected to go into effect in October, and the flexibilities related to leave tied to the COVID-19 pandemic including weather and safety leave. Attendees will come away with an array of knowledge for handling the leave issues they’re likely to face in the coming weeks and months, and will be equipped for a successful return to more normal operations in the future.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Apply weather and safety leave standards during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Identify the provisions of the new paid family leave, and which employees are affected.
  • Manage requests for sick leave and FMLA, from near and far.

Session 5
1:00 – 2:30 pm EDT
Managing a Mobile Workforce: Tools for Accountability
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course description: One of the biggest challenges facing agencies during this COVID-19 Pandemic is that so much of the workforce is no longer in the workplace. How do you handle performance issues? What about conduct? Are work expectations lowered or amended when people telework in emergency situations? What are the pitfalls or best practices for managing employees from afar? Using anecdotes from her decade of experience managing a remote workforce, FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will provide the answers and share exclusive tips you shouldn’t miss. Earn 1.5 CLE credits

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Communicate expectations to employees who are new to telework.
  • Conduct a performance demonstration period while an employee is working remotely.
  • Identify the telework performance pitfalls for employees and supervisors.

Session 6
3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT
Strategies for Stress: Effectively Coping in a COVID-19 World
Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, FELTG Instructor

Course description: The COVID-19 pandemic has required all of us to make major lifestyle changes, whether you’re in the office or working from home. Our lives have quickly been altered, creating varying levels of anxiety and uncertainty. Change, stress and social isolation can significantly impact your health and job performance. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Shana Palmieri will guide you through how to manage change and stress for yourself and your employees so you can continue to focus on your agency’s mission – from wherever you happen to be working.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Manage workforce disruptions to successfully stay focused on work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Cope with social distancing and social isolation.
  • Recognize and manage stress levels that, when unaddressed, impact your work performance and overall wellness.


Thursday, April 23, 2020

EEO Challenges in the Federal Workplace

Session 7
10:30 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Preventing and Correcting Discrimination: A Focus on Race, Color, and National Origin
Presented by Ricky Rowe, Former National EEO Manager/Veterans Affairs, FELTG Instructor

Course description: During stressful times, there is often a desire to find something, or someone, to blame. In some cases, employees perceive a conflict with agency management to be motivated by an illegal reason. And every now and then, an agency official engages in unlawful discrimination, and then the agency has a responsibility to make amends with the employee. FELTG Instructor Ricky Rowe will use his 38 years of federal sector EEO and HR experience to address these scenarios with a review of relevant EEOC decisions involving employee race, color and national origin, and will share timely and critical information to ensure that your workplace is safe and inclusive for all. Earn 1.5 EEO refresher training hours by attending this session.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the discrimination theories where race, color and national origin could form the basis of a complaint.
  • Recognize and immediately address instances of race, color, and national origin discrimination in the workplace.
  • Determine when language-restrictive policies are discriminatory – and when they are permitted.

Session 8
1:00 – 2:30 pm EDT
Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: If there’s one topic on every agency’s front burner, it’s harassment. FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson will explain the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the critical steps that agencies should take when investigating misconduct. An incomplete investigation could cost you the case, so it’s imperative to understand the requirements for a legally sufficient harassment investigation. Attendees will leave with useful guidance and practical tools to help them complete an effective and thorough investigation. Earn 1.5 EEO refresher training hours by attending this session. Earn 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Address the issue of harassment as misconduct, not just an EEO issue.
  • Identify the numerous forms that harassment takes.
  • Interview all relevant parties in a harassment investigation: the complainant, the accused, and material witnesses.

Session 9
3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT
Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace: Challenges and Solutions for 2020
Presented by Meghan Droste, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Reasonable accommodation for disabilities intersects with every aspect of the federal workforce: conduct, performance, leave, telework, and more. FELTG Instructor Meghan Droste will explain answers to the most common questions including: What does qualified individual really mean? What is the agency required to do during the interactive process? Must I provide a provisional accommodation? Do I have to grant telework as an accommodation? Is providing a new supervisor a reasonable accommodation? You’ll receive guidance on other perplexing reasonable accommodation challenges, and discuss the mistakes agencies have made in recent cases – so you can avoid similar mistakes. You can’t afford to miss this session. Earn 1.5 EEO refresher hours and 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Make legal disability determinations.
  • Understand “qualified individual” standard.
  • Provide the most effective reasonable accommodation to allow the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

 


Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by April 14): One Session = $100  |  Three Sessions = $250  |  All Access = $700
  • Standard Tuition (register April 15-23): One Session = $115  |  Three Sessions = $275  |  All Access = $750
  • Rates per registrant.
  • REGISTER NOW.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom Webinars (not Zoom Meetings) to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom 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.
  • How do I claim CLE or EEO refresher credits?
    • This program has been submitted (and we anticipate this program will be approved) for Virginia CLE credits. Members of other state bars must submit for CLE credit on their own, and may use the materials provided by FELTG in submissions. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended, and will designate how many EEO refresher hours were earned.
  • Can I get HRCI credits for attending this class?
    • Each session is approved for 1.5 hours of HRCI general recertification credit. The HRCI course numbers will be available upon the conclusion of the training.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG plans to record every session, and will make recordings available for purchase after the conclusion of the event.
  • 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?
    • The group discount deadline has passed.

 

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