Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Jun
9
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jun 9 @ 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.

Jun
10
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Federal Workplace Challenges in a COVID-19 World
Jun 10 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Federal Workplace Challenges in a COVID-19 World: Returning to Work During a Pandemic

While the nation’s slow re-opening is being welcomed by struggling small businesses and Americans eager for a return to normalcy, it is being met with hesitation and fear by many employees who will soon be making their way back to the workplaces they last occupied several weeks ago.

They are not the only ones who are hesitant. You probably are too. And you should be. Bringing teleworkers back to the physical workplace amid a pandemic will not be easy. Agency HR/EEO professionals, attorneys, supervisors, and managers play important roles in ensuring that their agencies follow the appropriate guidelines, comply with laws involving leave and reasonable accommodation, and meet their burden for providing a safe workspace.

Are you prepared? Join FELTG for a one-of-a-kind, multi-faceted virtual training event that readies you for this unique and demanding challenge. In one afternoon, attendees will receive a detailed discussion of numerous considerations as they prepare for the physical return of employees to the workplace – leave and flexible work schedules, medical testing, employees who blow the whistle about COVID-19 related issues, reasonable accommodation, mental health crises, and much more.

Learning Objectives

After completing this training, attendees will know how to:

  • Apply available flexibilities on scheduling, leave, and telework.
  • Provide appropriate support to employees with mental health struggles exacerbated by the pandemic.
  • Ensure a safe work environment without violating EEO laws.

This is an event that you cannot afford to miss. This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern

Download Individual Registration Form

Session Description

Part 1: Federal Employee Leave: Rights, Requirements and Strategies

Presented by Ann Boehm, FELTG Instructor, Attorney at Law

Administering leave can be complicated enough in normal times, let alone during a pandemic. Ms. Boehm will explain the basic leave entitlements of federal employees, and address the additional leave options and strategies that are specific to COVID-19, such as emergency paid sick leave and administrative leave.

 

Part 2: Complying with the Law While Ensuring a Safe Return to Work

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, FELTG President, Attorney at Law

What is the latest guidance from OPM, OMB, CDC, and other authorities as agencies prepare to call employees back to work? Can you – and should you – require medical certification for employees returning to duty? What are your options if an employee refuses to return to work? Are you prepared for reasonable accommodation requests or hostile work environment claims from vulnerable populations? What should an agency do if an employee has blown the whistle about COVID-19 related matters? Ms. Hopkins will address these issues, and more.

Part 3: Managing the Mental Health Crisis During the Pandemic

Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, FELTG Instructor

A new national report detailing the psychological impacts of COVID-19 projects an additional 75,000 Americans could die due to “diseases of despair.” This vulnerable population will soon be returning to the workplace. Ms. Palmieri will provide up-to-date information on risk factors for mental health crises and how to provide appropriate support, intervention and access to treatment for federal government employees to prevent deaths from diseases of despair including suicide, depression, and acute trauma.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by June 1): $295
  • Standard Tuition (register June 2-10): $345
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through June 1. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom Webinars (not Zoom Meetings) for this event. 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.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through June 1.

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.

Jun
11
Thu
Webinar Series – EEO Counselor and Investigator Refresher Training 2020
Jun 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:35 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

Meet your mandatory EEO Counselor and Investigator refresher training with FELTG this summer. Each 95-minute session counts toward the annual refresher requirement mandated by EEOC. Register for the entire series and receive a certificate of completion, to show you have met EEOC’s mandatory 8-hour annual refresher requirement.

Sessions

May 28 – EEO Complaints in 2020: What Counselors and Investigators Need to Know: EEOC jurisdiction; pre-complaint counseling; tolling; estoppel; formal complaint — acceptance/dismissal.

June 11 – Understanding Current Issues: Reasonable Accommodation Trends in 2020: The Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Acts; defining individuals with disabilities; the interactive process; who chooses accommodation; fact-specificity of reasonable accommodation; interactive process requirements; telework as accommodation; the agency’s obligation to accommodate the commute; requests for a new supervisor as accommodation.

June 25 – Practical Skills for Counselors and Investigators: Interviewing Complainants and Witnesses: Preparing for interviews; methods of communication; interview v. interrogation; types of questions; top 10 interviewing tips; the funnel technique.

July 9 – The Latest on Sexual Orientation and Gender Discrimination in the Federal Workplace: Review and discuss latest Supreme Court decisions on gay/transgender rights; the law; gender stereotyping as sex discrimination; sexual orientation discrimination; transgender status; same-sex discrimination.

July 23 – Updates on Discrimination: Recent Cases About Race, Color, Religion, and National Origin: The law and key terms; forms of discrimination; race and color discrimination; national original discrimination; English-only rules; religious discrimination; failure to accommodation for religious reasons.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site, per session (payment made by May 18).
  • Standard Tuition: $305 per site, per session (payment made May 19 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by May 18 and pay only $1295!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Download Registration Form

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.

Jun
16
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Reasonable Accommodation Spotlight: Challenges and Trends in Federal Agencies
Jun 16 – Jun 17 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

If there’s one issue that comes up in every training class regardless of the audience or topic, it’s Reasonable Accommodation in the federal workplace. Now’s your chance to attend a two-day event focused entirely on appropriately and legally handling reasonable accommodation requests, including the more complicated scenarios where there’s not an easy answer. FELTG’s Virtual Training Institute proudly presents Reasonable Accommodation Spotlight: Challenges and Trends in Federal Agencies.

Let FELTG’s experienced instructors guide you through the complexities in the reasonable accommodation process, and show you the best ways to avoid pitfalls, so that your agency provides appropriate, useful, and legally-defensible accommodations for individuals who are entitled to receive them. Covering everything from the foundations of the law to challenges such as providing accommodations to teleworkers, allowing emotional support animals in the workplace, accommodating stress, properly handling requests for medical documentation, and including the very latest EEOC guidance on COVID-19 and more, this is a class you can’t afford to miss. Plus, you’ll have multiple opportunities to ask your Reasonable Accommodation questions – and get answers in real time.

This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 pm.

6

Who Should Attend

Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; EEO counselors and investigators; federal supervisors and managers who have employees with reasonable accommodation requests; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; union representatives.

Agenda

Tuesday, June 16 – Reasonable Accommodation: The Foundations and Challenges

12:30 – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30), with Instructor Meghan Droste

Course topics: Overview of Reasonable Accommodation law and the Reasonable Accommodation process; the “regarded as” provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act; a closer look at complicated cases involving determining essential functions, the definition of qualified individual, agency obligations during the interactive process, and undue hardship claims.

Wednesday, June 17 – Reasonable Accommodation Trends

12:30 – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30), with Instructor Katherine Atkinson

Course topics: Requests for telework, flexible work schedules, and leave as Reasonable Accommodation; accommodating the commute; accommodating stress; handling requests for a new supervisor as accommodation; accommodating service animals vs. emotional support animals in the workplace; medical documentation; medical exams and inquiries; updated COVID-19 guidance from EEOC.

 

 

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 per session, $560 for both sessions (register by June 5).
  • Standard Tuition: $330 per session, $595 for both sessions (register June 6-17).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I 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.
  • Can I earn CLE credits or EEO refresher training for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended. Attendees may also request a certificate for EEO refresher hours upon completion of this program.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through June 5.

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.

Jun
23
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Developing and Defending Discipline: Holding Federal Employees Accountable
Jun 23 – Jun 25 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

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. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more imperative your employees are doing the work they are assigned to do, and following all workplace rules along the way.

FELTG is here to make federal supervisors’ and advisers’ 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 an under-performing employee working for you now, we will show you the steps to take to give the employee an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance, and how to determine whether the employee is successful or should be removed. In addition, we’ll discuss how you can defend against allegations of discrimination and hostile work environment claims, and the role of the supervisor and advisor throughout the EEO process.

Join us for this three-day seminar and come away with the tools you need to hold your employees accountable, and defend every action you take.

The program runs from 9:00 – 4:00 eastern each day, with a break from 12:00 – 1:00, and when taken together days 1 & 2 meet OPM’s mandatory training requirements for federal supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Download Individual Registration Form



Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Session 1: Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I

9:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 12:00 – 1:00)
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: This program begins with a discussion on the foundations of accountability and supervisory authority in the federal government. After learning to identify the differences between performance and conduct issues, the seminar will shift the focus to discipline and misconduct theory and practice. From emphasizing the five elements of misconduct, to explaining how an agency can defend its penalty and provide the employee with due process, to a discussion on discipline procedures and appeals, the attendee will receive a thorough education on properly – and legally – handling employee misconduct issues in the federal workplace.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the differences between employee performance and misconduct issues
  • Identify the five elements that must be presents in every discipline case
  • Recognize the supervisor’s and advisor’s roles in disciplinary procedures and appeals


Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Session 2: Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II

9:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 12:00 – 1:00)
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: This session begins with a focus on one of the most misunderstood areas of accountability: poor performance. The conversation includes the requirements to implement a performance demonstration period, initiating and completing a performance-based action, and determining the appropriate outcome after the employee has been given an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance. From there, the discussion turns to some tricky supervisory scenarios that become less intimidating after explanation: dealing with attendance issues, properly handling the absent employee, medical removals and dealing with union issues.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the legally-required procedures to hold an employee accountable for poor performance
  • Identify and implement the procedures to deal with leave abuse
  • Acknowledge how dealing with employees in a bargaining unit is different than non-bargaining unit employees

 


Thursday, June 25, 2020

Session 3: Defending Against Discrimination Complaints: The Supervisor’s Role in EEO

9:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 12:00 – 1:00)
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: One of the most intimidating experiences for a federal supervisor is being named in an EEO complaint. Yet, if you are a supervisor for any length of time, there’s a good chance it will happen. This session helps to clarify the federal EEO process so supervisors understand how defend against allegations of discrimination. After an explanation of the protected EEO categories, we’ll cover what to do – and what not to do – if you’re a Responding Management Official in a complaint, and what happens if you’re called as an EEO witness. From there, the program will cover the theories of discrimination, and will provide you with the tools you need to prove your workplace actions were legitimate and non-discriminatory. You’ll sleep better at night after attending this session!

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the theories of discrimination in the federal workplace
  • Recognize the situations where a employees need reasonable accommodation – and your role in the process
  • Understand how to successfully defend against allegations of harassment and discrimination


Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by June 9):

  • 3 days = $1400
  • 2 days = $1000
  • 1 day = $560

Standard Tuition (register June 10-25):

  • 3 days = $1500
  • 2 days = $1100
  • 1 day = $660

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials, and a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by June 9 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after June 9 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through June 9.
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jun 23 @ 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.

Jun
25
Thu
Webinar Series – EEO Counselor and Investigator Refresher Training 2020
Jun 25 @ 1:00 pm – 2:35 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

Meet your mandatory EEO Counselor and Investigator refresher training with FELTG this summer. Each 95-minute session counts toward the annual refresher requirement mandated by EEOC. Register for the entire series and receive a certificate of completion, to show you have met EEOC’s mandatory 8-hour annual refresher requirement.

Sessions

May 28 – EEO Complaints in 2020: What Counselors and Investigators Need to Know: EEOC jurisdiction; pre-complaint counseling; tolling; estoppel; formal complaint — acceptance/dismissal.

June 11 – Understanding Current Issues: Reasonable Accommodation Trends in 2020: The Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Acts; defining individuals with disabilities; the interactive process; who chooses accommodation; fact-specificity of reasonable accommodation; interactive process requirements; telework as accommodation; the agency’s obligation to accommodate the commute; requests for a new supervisor as accommodation.

June 25 – Practical Skills for Counselors and Investigators: Interviewing Complainants and Witnesses: Preparing for interviews; methods of communication; interview v. interrogation; types of questions; top 10 interviewing tips; the funnel technique.

July 9 – The Latest on Sexual Orientation and Gender Discrimination in the Federal Workplace: Review and discuss latest Supreme Court decisions on gay/transgender rights; the law; gender stereotyping as sex discrimination; sexual orientation discrimination; transgender status; same-sex discrimination.

July 23 – Updates on Discrimination: Recent Cases About Race, Color, Religion, and National Origin: The law and key terms; forms of discrimination; race and color discrimination; national original discrimination; English-only rules; religious discrimination; failure to accommodation for religious reasons.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site, per session (payment made by May 18).
  • Standard Tuition: $305 per site, per session (payment made May 19 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by May 18 and pay only $1295!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Download Registration Form

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.

Jun
29
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Federal Workplace Challenges in a COVID-19 World: Returning to Work During a Pandemic
Jun 29 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Federal Workplace Challenges in a COVID-19 World: Returning to Work During a Pandemic

While the nation’s slow re-opening is being welcomed by struggling small businesses and Americans eager for a return to normalcy, it is being met with hesitation and fear by many employees who will soon be making their way back to the workplaces they last occupied several weeks ago.

They are not the only ones who are hesitant. You probably are too. And you should be. Bringing teleworkers back to the physical workplace amid a pandemic will not be easy. Agency HR/EEO professionals, attorneys, supervisors, and managers play important roles in ensuring that their agencies follow the appropriate guidelines, comply with laws involving leave and reasonable accommodation, and meet their burden for providing a safe workspace.

Are you prepared? Join FELTG for a one-of-a-kind, multi-faceted virtual training event that readies you for this unique and demanding challenge. In one afternoon, attendees will receive a detailed discussion of numerous considerations as they prepare for the physical return of employees to the workplace – leave and flexible work schedules, medical testing, employees who blow the whistle about COVID-19 related issues, reasonable accommodation, mental health crises, and much more.

Learning Objectives

After completing this training, attendees will know how to:

  • Apply available flexibilities on scheduling, leave, and telework.
  • Provide appropriate support to employees with mental health struggles exacerbated by the pandemic.
  • Ensure a safe work environment without violating EEO laws.

This is an event that you cannot afford to miss. This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern

Download Individual Registration Form

Session Description

Part 1: Federal Employee Leave: Rights, Requirements and Strategies

Presented by Ann Boehm, FELTG Instructor, Attorney at Law

Administering leave can be complicated enough in normal times, let alone during a pandemic. Ms. Boehm will explain the basic leave entitlements of federal employees, and address the additional leave options and strategies that are specific to COVID-19, such as emergency paid sick leave and administrative leave.

 

Part 2: Complying with the Law While Ensuring a Safe Return to Work

Presented by Ann Boehm, FELTG President, Attorney at Law

What is the latest guidance from OPM, OMB, CDC, and other authorities as agencies prepare to call employees back to work? Can you – and should you – require medical certification for employees returning to duty? What are your options if an employee refuses to return to work? Are you prepared for reasonable accommodation requests or hostile work environment claims from vulnerable populations? What should an agency do if an employee has blown the whistle about COVID-19 related matters? Ms. Boehm will address these issues, and more.

Part 3: Managing the Mental Health Crisis During the Pandemic

Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, FELTG Instructor

A new national report detailing the psychological impacts of COVID-19 projects an additional 75,000 Americans could die due to “diseases of despair.” This vulnerable population will soon be returning to the workplace. Ms. Palmieri will provide up-to-date information on risk factors for mental health crises and how to provide appropriate support, intervention and access to treatment for federal government employees to prevent deaths from diseases of despair including suicide, depression, and acute trauma.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by June 19): $295
  • Standard Tuition (register June 20-29): $345
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through June 19. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG will use Webex for this event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access, and you do not need a Webex account in order to participate. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through June 19.

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
1
Wed
Webinar – Performance and Conduct Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Holding Remote Employees Accountable
Jul 1 @ 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship courses, such as UnCivil Servant, have empowered supervisors and their advisors to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising federal employees.

But what if those employees are not in the physical workspace, and instead are working remotely, as most federal employees currently are (and most will likely be for the foreseeable future)? FELTG President and attorney at law Deborah Hopkins will address and provide guidance on handling employee conduct and performance issues during a pandemic.

Over the course of 75 minutes, Ms. Hopkins will address challenges such as remote employees, who:

  • Refuse to report to duty after the agency re-opens.
  • Misuse technology or violate time and attendance protocols.
  • Fail to perform their critical element(s) at an acceptable level.

Many employees are thriving under remote work, but others continue to struggle with performance. It’s imperative to agency mission that you use the right tools to swiftly and effectively address poor performance and misconduct, regardless of where the employee is doing – or NOT doing – the actual work.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Take disciplinary action against a teleworking employee.
  • Determine whether a non-performer should be put on a demonstration period during emergency telework.
  • Manage a demonstration period remotely.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (payment required by June 22, 2020):
    • 1 line: $140
    • 2-5 lines: $225
    • 6-9 lines: $300
    • 10-15 lines: $385
    • 16-20 lines: $465
  • Standard Tuition (payments made June 23, 2020 or later):
    • 1 line: $165
    • 2-5 lines: $260
    • 6-9 lines: $340
    • 10-15 lines: $420
    • 16-20 lines: $495

Additional teleworkers may be added for $40 each, if space is available.

Jul
7
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Advanced Employee Relations
Jul 7 – Jul 9 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

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 complicated or challenging situations. That’s when you realize that there is much more to learn. No worries. The FELTG Virtual Training Institute presents 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, interactive 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, one of the most experienced federal employee relations professionals you’ll ever meet.

The program runs 9:00 – 4:00 each day and is approved for 18 HRCI general recertification credits.

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday, July 7

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, July 8

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, July 9

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 June 22):
      • 3 days = $1370
      • 2 days = $970
      • 1 day = $530

      Standard Tuition (register June 23 – July 9):

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

       

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by June 22 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after June 23 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through June 22.
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jul 7 @ 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.

Jul
9
Thu
Webinar Series – EEO Counselor and Investigator Refresher Training 2020
Jul 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:35 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

Meet your mandatory EEO Counselor and Investigator refresher training with FELTG this summer. Each 95-minute session counts toward the annual refresher requirement mandated by EEOC. Register for the entire series and receive a certificate of completion, to show you have met EEOC’s mandatory 8-hour annual refresher requirement.

Sessions

May 28 – EEO Complaints in 2020: What Counselors and Investigators Need to Know: EEOC jurisdiction; pre-complaint counseling; tolling; estoppel; formal complaint — acceptance/dismissal.

June 11 – Understanding Current Issues: Reasonable Accommodation Trends in 2020: The Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Acts; defining individuals with disabilities; the interactive process; who chooses accommodation; fact-specificity of reasonable accommodation; interactive process requirements; telework as accommodation; the agency’s obligation to accommodate the commute; requests for a new supervisor as accommodation.

June 25 – Practical Skills for Counselors and Investigators: Interviewing Complainants and Witnesses: Preparing for interviews; methods of communication; interview v. interrogation; types of questions; top 10 interviewing tips; the funnel technique.

July 9 – The Latest on Sexual Orientation and Gender Discrimination in the Federal Workplace: Review and discuss latest Supreme Court decisions on gay/transgender rights; the law; gender stereotyping as sex discrimination; sexual orientation discrimination; transgender status; same-sex discrimination.

July 23 – Updates on Discrimination: Recent Cases About Race, Color, Religion, and National Origin: The law and key terms; forms of discrimination; race and color discrimination; national original discrimination; English-only rules; religious discrimination; failure to accommodation for religious reasons.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site, per session (payment made by May 18).
  • Standard Tuition: $305 per site, per session (payment made May 19 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by May 18 and pay only $1295!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Download Registration Form

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
13
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Absence, Leave Abuse & Medical Issues Week: COVID-19 and Beyond
Jul 13 – Jul 17 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Federal employees enjoy a wide variety of leave-related benefits. However, many of us would never use the words “enjoy” and “leave” so closely together. Whether you’re an HR professional, employee relations practitioner, EEO specialist, supervisor, or agency counsel, you have undoubtedly faced a leave-related challenge. FELTG’s Absence, Leave Abuse & Medical Issues Week: COVID-19 and Beyond will give you the critical foundation you need to address the most complex areas of federal employment law, including the recent challenges related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Our speakers will discuss sick leave, annual leave, leave without pay, absence without leave, and FMLA. Then they will tackle the most current, relevant topics, such as disciplining employees for leave abuse, dealing with medical issues and unacceptable performance, leave and reasonable accommodation, medical documentation, medical exams, and more.

If you attend, you’re going to learn an awful lot about “leave” and you’re going to “enjoy” the training.

The program runs 9:00 am – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a break from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, and is pre-approved for 29 CLE credits in Virginia and California. It is also approved for 29 HRCI general recertification credits.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; federal supervisors and managers; union representatives.

Instructors

Barbara Haga, Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste 

Daily Agenda:

Monday, July 13

Leave Use Overview: Course topics: Types of leave and leave entitlements; proper leave administration; discretionary leave scenarios; leave stacking; understanding when you can say no to a leave request; Administrative Leave Act of 2016 changes.

Tuesday, July 14

FMLA Law and Policy: Course topics: Federal sector FMLA basics, including new provisions on paid family leave, employee notice issues, serious health condition developments, medical certification issues, managing intermittent FMLA leave; discipline and performance issues when FMLA is involved; last chance agreements with FMLA.

Wednesday, July 15

Leave-Related Discipline & Medical Removals: Course topics: The five elements of discipline; leave-related misconduct; documentation necessary to discipline an employee for leave-related misconduct and leave abuse; AWOL charges; excessive absence removals; medical inability to perform removals.

Thursday, July 16 

Reasonable Accommodation: Entitlements and Processes: Course topics: The ADA Amendments Act; the Rehabilitation Act; the reasonable accommodation process; the “regarded as” provision of the ADA; telework and leave as reasonable accommodation; flexible work schedules and alternative work locations; religious accommodation.

Friday, July 17

Medical Documentation, Medical Requests and Record Confidentiality: Course topics: How the ADAAA and GINA impact the collection of medical information; pre- and post-employment medical exams and inquiries; conditional employment offers; medical documentation requests; direct threat; conflicting regulations and contra court decisions.

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 June 29):

  • 5 days = $2190
  • 4 days = $1795
  • 3 days = $1385
  • 2 days = $980
  • 1 day = $540

Standard Tuition (register June 30 – July 17):

  • 5 days = $2290
  • 4 days = $1895
  • 3 days = $1485
  • 2 days = $1080
  • 1 day = $640

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by June 29 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after June 29 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through June 29.
Jul
20
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Emerging Issues Week: The Federal Workplace’s Most Challenging Situations
Jul 20 – Jul 24 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

COVID-19. Workplace harassment. Union negotiations. Telework. Mental health crises. These are just a few of the issues federal agencies are working through in 2020.

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. And the challenges you face today may not be the same as the challenges you faced last week, last month, or last year. And if that weren’t enough, there’s now a global pandemic to contend with.

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 after the social isolation caused by COVID-19 has taken its toll.
  • 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.
  • Your entire team is working remotely, but you need to meet with everyone to discuss a project or deadline.
  • An employee is wasting time on social media when he is supposed to be working.
  • The union is using abrasive language directed at agency leadership and management officials.

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 updated-for-2020 Emerging Issues Week. You’ll gain the tools to better understand how to:

  • Deal with employees who are experiencing mental and behavioral health issues.
  • Handle sexual harassment and bullying claims.
  • Interact with the union in an effective way.
  • Manage a mobile workforce and handle reasonable accommodation requests.
  • Deal with threats of violence – from suicide to mass shootings – in the federal workplace.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; federal supervisors and managers; security officers; union representatives.

Instructors

Deborah HopkinsShana Palmieri, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm

Daily Agenda:

Monday, July 20

Handling Behavioral Health Issues: Course topics: An overview of the ADA/ADAAA and Rehabilitation Act requirements on accommodating individuals with invisible disabilities – with a focus on mental impairments and other behavioral health issues; types of mental disabilities and how they may exhibit in the workplace; accommodations for behavioral health-related disabilities; working with employees who have PTSD, handling substance abuse misuse and disorders; last chance agreements; dos and don’ts when working with employees who have behavioral health issues.

Tuesday, July 21

Dealing with Threats of Violence: Course topics: Handling the psychiatric emergency in the workplace; threatening behavior and the direct threat analysis; 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, July 22

Harassment Allegations and Investigations: Course topics: Differentiating between EEO and non-EEO harassment; protected categories; avenues of redress for the aggrieved; investigating harassment allegations; developing an investigative plan; dealing with difficult witnesses; witness and management rights during the investigation stage; agency obligations; the intersection with criminal investigations; bullying; special considerations in light of #MeToo and #TimesUp.

Thursday, July 23

The Nontraditional Workplace: Telework, Reasonable Accommodation, and Technology Challenges: Accountability tools for managing a mobile workforce; updated COVID-19 telework guidance from OPM, the White House, and EEOC; return to work challenges in the wake of COVID-19; handling requests for telework, leave, or flexible schedules as reasonable accommodation; challenges with technology in the federal workplace including technology-related misconduct.

Friday, July 24

Working in a Unionized Environment: What every supervisor and advisor should know about federal labor unions; collective bargaining agreements; official time; LR meetings; an overview of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; fundamental employee, union, and management rights; unfair labor practices; controlling official time; handling information requests; the current status of the Executive Orders.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 6):

  • 5 days = $2190
  • 4 days = $1795
  • 3 days = $1385
  • 2 days = $980
  • 1 day = $540

Standard Tuition (register July 7 – July 24):

  • 5 days = $2290
  • 4 days = $1895
  • 3 days = $1485
  • 2 days = $1080
  • 1 day = $640

 

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by July 6 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after July 6 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 6.
Jul
21
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jul 21 @ 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.

Jul
23
Thu
Webinar Series – EEO Counselor and Investigator Refresher Training 2020
Jul 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:35 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

Meet your mandatory EEO Counselor and Investigator refresher training with FELTG this summer. Each 95-minute session counts toward the annual refresher requirement mandated by EEOC. Register for the entire series and receive a certificate of completion, to show you have met EEOC’s mandatory 8-hour annual refresher requirement.

Sessions

May 28 – EEO Complaints in 2020: What Counselors and Investigators Need to Know: EEOC jurisdiction; pre-complaint counseling; tolling; estoppel; formal complaint — acceptance/dismissal.

June 11 – Understanding Current Issues: Reasonable Accommodation Trends in 2020: The Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Acts; defining individuals with disabilities; the interactive process; who chooses accommodation; fact-specificity of reasonable accommodation; interactive process requirements; telework as accommodation; the agency’s obligation to accommodate the commute; requests for a new supervisor as accommodation.

June 25 – Practical Skills for Counselors and Investigators: Interviewing Complainants and Witnesses: Preparing for interviews; methods of communication; interview v. interrogation; types of questions; top 10 interviewing tips; the funnel technique.

July 9 – The Latest on Sexual Orientation and Gender Discrimination in the Federal Workplace: Review and discuss latest Supreme Court decisions on gay/transgender rights; the law; gender stereotyping as sex discrimination; sexual orientation discrimination; transgender status; same-sex discrimination.

July 23 – Updates on Discrimination: Recent Cases About Race, Color, Religion, and National Origin: The law and key terms; forms of discrimination; race and color discrimination; national original discrimination; English-only rules; religious discrimination; failure to accommodation for religious reasons.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site, per session (payment made by May 18).
  • Standard Tuition: $305 per site, per session (payment made May 19 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by May 18 and pay only $1295!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Download Registration Form

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
27
Mon
Virtual Training Event – EEO Refresher Training 2020
Jul 27 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Counselors and investigators, here’s a little secret: The eight hours of refresher training that you are required to receive every year does not have to be the same old boring training. FELTG believes that your eight-hour refresher training can and should be interesting, engaging and compelling.

By attending five courses during FELTG’s summer conference-like virtual training Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends you’ll be able to earn all eight of your hours and receive critical guidance on important EEO topics, such as: EEO timelines, best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses, trends in reasonable accommodation, the very latest on sexual orientation and gender discrimination, what happens when disabilities and FMLA overlap, and more. Plus, you’ll get the chance to ask questions of the resident authorities who collectively have seen almost everything in the world of EEO. Attendees will also receive a certificate of attendance verifying they’ve met the annual training requirement. We hope to see you there.

At-a-Glance Schedule

  • Monday, July 27: 12:30 – 4:00 pm eastern (3 refresher hours)
  • Wednesday, July 29: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm eastern (5 refresher hours)

Who Should Attend

EEO Counselors and EEO Investigators; others with an interest in EEO law are welcome to attend

Download Individual Registration Form



Monday, July 27, 2020

Counselor & Investigator Refresher Jump Start

Pre-session
12:30 – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 2-2:30)
What Every Counselor and Investigator Needs to Know in 2020
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 3 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours)

Hey counselors and investigators! FELTG’s special event Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends provides an opportunity for you to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training with useful, timely, and engaging guidance. Ms. Atkinson kicks things off with an in-depth presentation on the foundational issues that EEO professionals need to know – everything from jurisdiction and pre-complaint counseling considerations, to best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand timeliness issues like tolling and estoppel.
  • Identify the appropriate bases for dismissing a complaint.
  • Prepare and conduct effective witness interviews.

 



Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Handling EEO Challenges

Session 5
9:30 – 10:45 am EDT
Reasonable Accommodation in 75 Minutes
Presented by Dwight Lewis, former EEOC Chief AJ/Dallas Region, FELTG Instructor.

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

As the Chief Administrative Judge of the EEOC’s Dallas Region for many years, Dwight Lewis saw his fair share of cases where agencies made reasonable accommodation mistakes. In this fast-paced session, Mr. Lewis will prepare you to be better equipped to navigate the reasonable accommodation process and avoid those mistakes he’s seen so often. The session will cover everything from defining a disability to determining undue hardship, and will highlight the importance of the interactive process in determining what accommodation is reasonable.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Effectively navigate the interactive process.
  • Determine when telework would be an appropriate accommodation.
  • Explain who gets to choose the accommodation, and why
Session 6
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT
The Latest on Sexual Orientation and Transgender Discrimination
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President.

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits 

Deborah Hopkins PortraitThe Supreme Court will be handing down a decision on the Zarda, Bostock, R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes cases before thistraining event. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will share her analysis of the High Court ruling and explain the impact it will have on the federal workplace. Over 75 minutes, Ms. Hopkins will also bring you up to speed on the law, gender stereotyping as sex discrimination, same-sex discrimination, harassment not motivated by sexual desire, and much more.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the statutory authorities that prohibit sex-based discrimination.
  • Define terms and concepts that apply to LGBTQ+ employees.
  • Identify actions that get agencies into EEO trouble.
Session 7
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT
When the ADA and FMLA Collide
Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor.

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

Navigating the FMLA is one of the most complex challenges a federal agency can face unless, of course, it is navigating the ADA at the same time. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will compare and contrast coverage under the FMLA and coverage under the ADA, discuss the tricky role of medical documentation, and review leave under the FMLA and as a reasonable accommodation.

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Explain the difference between a serious health condition and an ADA disability.
  • Handle excessive absences under FMLA.
  • Request the appropriate medical documentation, without violating employee rights to confidentiality.
Session 8
3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT
Navigating the Morass of Mixed Cases
Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor.

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

Few things create as much confusion among even experienced federal attorneys, EEO specialists, or HR professionals as mixed cases. We are here to help. Join Bob Woods as he untangles this often-complicated area when MSPB and EEOC both have potential jurisdiction over a case. What do you do when a mixed case lands on your desk? You’ll learn if you attend this session.

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Discuss procedural options for processing mixed cases.
  • Identify potential jurisdictional issues in mixed case processing.
  • Explain the role of the Special Panel.

 



 

Pricing

  • Early bird price is $725.
  • See registration for full pricing details.
  • Early Bird discounts available until July 15!

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the EEO refresher registration option. Group discounts are available through July 15.

 

Virtual Training Event – Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jul 27 – Jul 31 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Summer heralds the arrival of warmer weather, and with it the federal conference season. But with a pandemic not yet behind us, you may be wary of attending a crowded function or, perhaps, you find that getting approval for travel is even more difficult than usual. In fact, the pandemic is making the possibility of attending summer federal conferences less likely each day.

There’s no need to despair, and no need to give up on high-quality training: join the virtual FELTG Forum this summer, from wherever you’re working. FELTG’s experienced and widely respected instructors come together for a training event focused on making sure you’re prepared to effectively manage the federal employment challenges that are new, complicated, and critical to your and your agency’s success. Plus, unlike a conference where you have to register for the full event, this training event allows attendees to register for only the sessions they prefer to attend. It’s better than a conference!

Whether you’re a supervisor, HR professional, EEO practitioner or an attorney, this event has something for you. Attendees will receive clear strategies and straight-forward guidance for holding employees accountable for performance and conduct, deftly handling the most complex EEO challenges, and identifying and handling those pesky issues that are new — or will be soon enough. Along the way, EEO counselors and investigators can earn their annual refresher hours, and attorneys can pick up CLEs, including two hours for their legal ethics requirements.

And here’s the best part: You can select whichever sessions you want. Join us for the whole event. Or join us for one day, or just one session. It’s up to you.

Avoid the crowds. Save your agency money. And get the important training you need from instructors you trust.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; federal supervisors and managers; security officers; union representatives.

Download Individual Registration Form



Monday, July 27, 2020

Counselor& Investigator Refresher Jump Start

 

Pre-session
12:30 – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 2-2:30)
What Every Counselor and Investigator Needs to Know in 2020
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 3 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours)

Hey counselors and investigators! FELTG’s special event Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends provides an opportunity for you to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training with useful, timely, and engaging guidance. Ms. Atkinson kicks things off with an in-depth presentation on the foundational issues that EEO professionals need to know – everything from jurisdiction and pre-complaint counseling considerations, to best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses during a global pandemic.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand timeliness issues like tolling and estoppel.
  • Identify the appropriate bases for dismissing a complaint.
  • Prepare and conduct effective witness interviews.


Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Spotlight on Accountability

 

Session 1
9:30 – 10:45 am EDT
The Foundations of Accountability: Discipline and Performance
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

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 and performance-based actions against employees. Attendees will learn the five elements that must be present in a disciplinary case, the principles for holding employees accountable to perform acceptably, and will leave with the guidance necessary to avoid the roadblocks that lead to actions that fail when under the scrutiny of the MSPB, EEOC, or in grievance arbitration.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Recognize the differences between performance and conduct.
  • Identify the due process errors that doom a disciplinary or performance case.
  • Successfully take a defensible disciplinary or performance-based action that complies with the law, regulations, and Executive Orders.
Session 2
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Charges and Penalties in Disciplinary Cases
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

If you’ve been in the business for more than a few days, you know the importance of drafting legally-sufficient disciplinary charges, and making a reasonable penalty determination. Yet many agencies still lose cases because of poorly drafted charges. This session will cover the art and science behind drafting disciplinary charges, including the types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, and alternative charges. From there the discussion will cover the factors required to determine an appropriate penalty for employee misconduct.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Discuss the MSPB and Federal Circuit lead cases involving penalty determination.
  • Defend the penalty using the Douglas Factors – or related penalty defense factors.
  • Draft effective proposal and decision letters.
Session 3
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT
Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference
Presented by Anthony Marchese, Ph.D., Coach/Author/Trainer, FELTG Instructor

There is one action you can take that, when done effectively, could have a major impact on your team’s morale and productivity, and that is providing employees with honest feedback – and not just at mid-year or annual review time. Especially crucial, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, is continuing to provide feedback to remote employees. This session presentation will equip participants to nurture a culture of candor, while exposing feedback myths and ineffective practices. Plus, you’ll learn how to have difficult conversations that produce actionable outcomes.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the best practices for nurturing a culture of healthy feedback.
  • Prepare for routine and high-stakes conversations by learning to use a thoughtful approach to employee conversations.
  • Distinguish between opposing mindsets and their impact upon how feedback is received/acted upon.
Session 4
3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT
What to Do When Performance Goes Bad
Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

When it comes to the PIP, the DP, the ODAP, or whatever your agency calls it, a lot of the advice you get is BS. But not from FELTG. This session gets to the heart of how to handle performance challenges, for employees in the office or on telework status. Attendees will learn the FELTG-Way to manage an employee’s opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance. And if the employee fails the DP, attendees will be able to confidently, effectively, and quickly remove the employee for poor performance.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the required elements of performance cases.
  • Implement a legally-sufficient opportunity period to demonstrate acceptable performance (formerly a PIP).
  • Remove a poor performer in 31 days.


Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Handling EEO Challenges

Session 5
9:30 – 10:45 am EDT
Reasonable Accommodation in 75 Minutes
Presented by Dwight Lewis, former EEOC Chief AJ/Dallas Region, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

As the Chief Administrative Judge of the EEOC’s Dallas Region for many years, Dwight Lewis saw his fair share of cases where agencies made reasonable accommodation mistakes. In this fast-paced session, Mr. Lewis will prepare you to be better equipped to navigate the reasonable accommodation process and avoid those mistakes he’s seen so often. The session will cover everything from defining a disability to determining undue hardship, and will highlight the importance of the interactive process in determining what accommodation is reasonable.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Effectively navigate the interactive process.
  • Determine when telework would be an appropriate accommodation.
  • Explain who gets to choose the accommodation, and why.
Session 6
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT
The Latest on Sexual Orientation and Transgender Discrimination
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits 

Deborah Hopkins PortraitOn June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Zarda, Bostock, R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes that definitively set the level of protection for LGBTQ employees in this country. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will share her analysis of the High Court ruling and explain the impact it has on the federal workplace. Over 75 minutes, Ms. Hopkins will also bring you up to speed on gender stereotyping as sex discrimination, same-sex discrimination, harassment not motivated by sexual desire, and much more.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the statutory authorities that prohibit sex-based discrimination.
  • Define terms and concepts that apply to LGBTQ+ employees.
  • Identify actions that get agencies into EEO trouble.
Session 7
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT
When the ADA and FMLA Collide
Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

Navigating the FMLA is one of the most complex challenges a federal agency can face unless, of course, it is navigating the ADA at the same time. Add in the COVID-19 pandemic and you’ve got a complicated recipe that requires special attention. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will compare and contrast coverage under the FMLA and coverage under the ADA, discuss the tricky role of medical documentation, and review leave under the FMLA and as a reasonable accommodation.

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Explain the difference between a serious health condition and an ADA disability.
  • Handle excessive absences under FMLA.
  • Request the appropriate medical documentation, without violating employee rights to confidentiality.
Session 8
3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT
Navigating the Morass of Mixed Cases
Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

Few things create as much confusion among even experienced federal attorneys, EEO specialists, or HR professionals as mixed cases. We are here to help. Join Bob Woods as he untangles this often-complicated area when MSPB and EEOC both have potential jurisdiction over a case. What do you do when a mixed case lands on your desk? You’ll learn if you attend this session.

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Discuss procedural options for processing mixed cases.
  • Identify potential jurisdictional issues in mixed case processing.
  • Explain the role of the Special Panel.

 



Thursday, July 30, 2020

Trends in Federal Employment Law

Session 9
9:30 – 10:45 am EDT
Performance and Conduct Problems During a Pandemic: Holding Remote Employees Accountable
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

Deborah Hopkins PortraitOne of the biggest challenges facing agencies during this COVID-19 pandemic – and its potential aftermath – is that so much of the workforce is no longer in the workplace. And with varying return to work orders across the country, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to where things stand. How do you handle performance issues? What about conduct? What happens if an employee refuses to report for duty? While many employees are thriving under remote work, others continue to struggle with conduct or performance. It’s imperative to agency mission that you use the right tools to swiftly and effectively address these problems, regardless of where the employee is doing – or NOT doing – the actual work.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Follow the appropriate steps to discipline an employee for telework-related misconduct.
  • Conduct a performance demonstration period while an employee is working remotely.
  • Identify the agency’s options when an employee refuses to report for duty.
Session 10
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Understanding and Working with Your Agency’s OIG
Presented by Scott Boehm, former Senior Intelligence Advisor/Department of Defense Inspector General, FELTG Instructor

Your agency’s Office of Inspector General employs investigators, auditors, evaluators, and, sometimes, armed special agents. Its mission is to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse, and promote economy, effectiveness, and efficiency of agency operations. It does so by investigating potential violations of law or misconduct and auditing or evaluating the agency’s operations and systems. If it sounds like your OIG’s mission may overlap or interconnect with your office’s mission, you’re right. So what happens when you’re investigating misconduct, and the OIG is investigating as well? What’s the role of the OIG if you uncover criminal behavior in the workplace? How does the OIG handle whistleblower disclosures? It’s important that you not only have a clear picture of what your agency’s OIG does, but also how to work with them. Now you have the chance to learn what you need to know.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Recognize the various types, purposes, and qualifications of Inspector Generals.
  • Identify the agency information that the OIG has access to, and any limitations it has on that information.
  • Determine whether an event or action triggers your responsibility
Session 11
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT
EEO Trends in a COVID-19 World
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

The workplace has been turned upside down over the last few months as more than a million federal employees left their agency facilities to work from home. Now agencies are returning people to the workplace. Just because nobody was in the office for a while doesn’t mean that EEO problems have vanished, too. Ms. Atkinson will explain how applying the basic EEO framework can answer the current EEO issues you may be facing, such as providing telework as reasonable accommodation for people with underlying health conditions, agencies’ legal authority to administer medical exams related to COVID-19, and the virus-related problems agencies have seen lately regarding race and national origin discrimination.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the areas where COVID-19 and EEO intersect.
  • Identify the elements of a direct threat analysis and how it applies to a global pandemic.
  • Explain the scenarios where virus-related comments about race and national origin rise to the level of a hostile work environment.
Session 12
3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT
Case Law Update: EEOC, FLRA, MSPB, and More
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

In the world of federal employment law, things can change quickly; there has been more action in the past three years than in the previous 35. 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 and where things stand with the Executive Orders. 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.

Learning takeaways

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.

 



Friday, July 31, 2020

Ethics 

Post-session A
10:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Ethics for the Government Attorney
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 2.0 CLE ethics credits)

You have to earn your Ethics CLE credits, so you might as well do it the FELTG way and really learn something. Ms. Boehm, who spent more than 25 years working in employment law at federal agencies, will provide content focused specifically for government attorneys. Ms. Boehm will discuss ethics in relation to defining the client, filings and pleadings, contractors, personal conduct and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to work their way through ethically challenging hypothetical scenarios and to ask questions, and get answers, from someone who has experienced the same challenges you’re facing today.

Pricing

  • Early bird pricing for individual sessions start at $125. Daily and full event discounts available.
  • Early bird EEO refresher track pricing is $725.
  • See registration for full pricing details.
  • Early Bird discounts available until July 15!

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the Main Access or Ethics All Access registration options only. Group discounts are available through July 15.

 

Jul
29
Wed
Virtual Training Event – EEO Refresher Training 2020
Jul 29 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Counselors and investigators, here’s a little secret: The eight hours of refresher training that you are required to receive every year does not have to be the same old boring training. FELTG believes that your eight-hour refresher training can and should be interesting, engaging and compelling.

By attending five courses during FELTG’s summer conference-like virtual training Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends you’ll be able to earn all eight of your hours and receive critical guidance on important EEO topics, such as: EEO timelines, best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses, trends in reasonable accommodation, the very latest on sexual orientation and gender discrimination, what happens when disabilities and FMLA overlap, and more. Plus, you’ll get the chance to ask questions of the resident authorities who collectively have seen almost everything in the world of EEO. Attendees will also receive a certificate of attendance verifying they’ve met the annual training requirement. We hope to see you there.

At-a-Glance Schedule

  • Monday, July 27: 12:30 – 4:00 pm eastern (3 refresher hours)
  • Wednesday, July 29: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm eastern (5 refresher hours)

Who Should Attend

EEO Counselors and EEO Investigators; others with an interest in EEO law are welcome to attend

Download Individual Registration Form



Monday, July 27, 2020

Counselor & Investigator Refresher Jump Start

Pre-session
12:30 – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 2-2:30)
What Every Counselor and Investigator Needs to Know in 2020
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

(Earn 3 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours)

Hey counselors and investigators! FELTG’s special event Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends provides an opportunity for you to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training with useful, timely, and engaging guidance. Ms. Atkinson kicks things off with an in-depth presentation on the foundational issues that EEO professionals need to know – everything from jurisdiction and pre-complaint counseling considerations, to best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand timeliness issues like tolling and estoppel.
  • Identify the appropriate bases for dismissing a complaint.
  • Prepare and conduct effective witness interviews.

 



Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Handling EEO Challenges

Session 5
9:30 – 10:45 am EDT
Reasonable Accommodation in 75 Minutes
Presented by Dwight Lewis, former EEOC Chief AJ/Dallas Region, FELTG Instructor.

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

As the Chief Administrative Judge of the EEOC’s Dallas Region for many years, Dwight Lewis saw his fair share of cases where agencies made reasonable accommodation mistakes. In this fast-paced session, Mr. Lewis will prepare you to be better equipped to navigate the reasonable accommodation process and avoid those mistakes he’s seen so often. The session will cover everything from defining a disability to determining undue hardship, and will highlight the importance of the interactive process in determining what accommodation is reasonable.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Effectively navigate the interactive process.
  • Determine when telework would be an appropriate accommodation.
  • Explain who gets to choose the accommodation, and why
Session 6
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT
The Latest on Sexual Orientation and Transgender Discrimination
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President.

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits 

Deborah Hopkins PortraitThe Supreme Court will be handing down a decision on the Zarda, Bostock, R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes cases before thistraining event. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will share her analysis of the High Court ruling and explain the impact it will have on the federal workplace. Over 75 minutes, Ms. Hopkins will also bring you up to speed on the law, gender stereotyping as sex discrimination, same-sex discrimination, harassment not motivated by sexual desire, and much more.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the statutory authorities that prohibit sex-based discrimination.
  • Define terms and concepts that apply to LGBTQ+ employees.
  • Identify actions that get agencies into EEO trouble.
Session 7
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT
When the ADA and FMLA Collide
Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor.

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

Navigating the FMLA is one of the most complex challenges a federal agency can face unless, of course, it is navigating the ADA at the same time. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will compare and contrast coverage under the FMLA and coverage under the ADA, discuss the tricky role of medical documentation, and review leave under the FMLA and as a reasonable accommodation.

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Explain the difference between a serious health condition and an ADA disability.
  • Handle excessive absences under FMLA.
  • Request the appropriate medical documentation, without violating employee rights to confidentiality.
Session 8
3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT
Navigating the Morass of Mixed Cases
Presented by Bob Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor.

(Earn 1.25 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours and 1.25 CLE credits)

Few things create as much confusion among even experienced federal attorneys, EEO specialists, or HR professionals as mixed cases. We are here to help. Join Bob Woods as he untangles this often-complicated area when MSPB and EEOC both have potential jurisdiction over a case. What do you do when a mixed case lands on your desk? You’ll learn if you attend this session.

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Discuss procedural options for processing mixed cases.
  • Identify potential jurisdictional issues in mixed case processing.
  • Explain the role of the Special Panel.

 



 

Pricing

  • Early bird price is $725.
  • See registration for full pricing details.
  • Early Bird discounts available until July 15!

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the EEO refresher registration option. Group discounts are available through July 15.

 

Jul
30
Thu
Webinar – Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities: The Law, the Challenges and Solutions
Jul 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Course Description

 1

FELTG kicks off its five-part webinar series Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace with an overview of the the current state of disability law and how the ADA, ADAAA, and Rehabilitation Act apply to federal employees with disabilities. Attendees will learn about:

  • Making disability determinations
  • What “qualified individual” actually means
  • Reasonable accommodation requests
  • The interactive process
  • Denials of reasonable accommodation
  • Reassignment and Medical Inability to Perform removals

Whether you’re an attorney, disability program manager, EEO or HR Specialist or a supervisor, you’ll want to be sure to attend this session.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by July 20).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made July 21 or later).

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Jul 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Ann BoehmDwight Lewis

Course Description

One of the most important – and challenging – areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act changed the law more than ten years ago. Yet, too many agencies are still following outdated procedures that are not compliant with the law. Because there are so many complexities in the reasonable accommodation process, the best way to avoid pitfalls and to be sure you provide accommodations for people who are entitled is to follow the appropriate steps, in the proper order.

Updated for 2020, FELTG proudly presents a five-part series on reasonable accommodation in the federal workplace, covering everything from the basics of the law to challenges such as providing accommodations to teleworkers. Attend one session, or attend them all.

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation: The Law, the Challenges & Solutions (July 30)

Session 2:  Reasonable Accommodation: A Focus on Qualified Individuals, Essential Functions, Undue Hardship (August 6)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation: When to Say “Yes” and When to Say “No” (August 13)

Session 4:  Hear it from a Judge: The Reasonable Accommodation Mistakes Agencies Make (August 20)

Session 5: Understanding Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodation (August 27)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by July 20).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made July 21 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 20 and pay only $1125!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

 

Aug
3
Mon
Virtual Training Event – FLRA Law Week
Aug 3 – Aug 7 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

In 2018, President Trump issued three executive orders that had a significant impact on federal labor relations. With orders regarding official time, negotiation timeframes, and union responsibilities to pay for things they never had to pay for before, this was the biggest change to rock the world of federal labor relations in years. Three months later, a D.C. District Court Court judge enjoined several parts of the EOs, stating they were illegal. The White House then appealed.. And then the summer of 2019, that District Court ruling was overturned by an Appeals Court. The Executive Orders are no longer enjoined.

Where do things stand today? Join FELTG for FLRA Law Week and we’ll bring you up to speed on what you can, cannot and should do under these EOs.

But that’s not all. Every labor attorney, labor relations specialist, and union representative in government needs to have both a firm foundation in the historical perspective and precedence of FLRA decisions, as well as a strategy for taking advantage of any new approaches that are coming out of an ever-evolving Federal Labor Relations Authority. This training week, updated to reflect the current state of the law, does just that — and with instructors who spent a combined 38 years working at the FLRA, there’s no other federal labor relations training that will give you this type of inside perspective. You won’t want to miss it.

The program runs 12:00 – 4:00 each day, with a break from 1:45-2:15 (all times eastern).


Instructors

Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Daily Agenda

Monday, August 3

Basic Management and Employee Rights: An overview of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; the current status of Executive Orders 13836 and 13837; fundamental employee, union, and management rights; bargaining unit definition; the union organizer’s role; information requests; official time.

Tuesday, August 4

Labor Relations Meetings and Bargaining: More on official time; formal discussions; union representative rights; the collective bargaining process; the three categories of bargaining: mandatory, permissive, and prohibited.

Wednesday, August 5

Unfair Labor Practices and Negotiability: Employee rights vs. Management rights; the anatomy of an Unfair Labor Practice; an overview of the Federal Services Impasse Panel; negotiability appeals.

Thursday, August 6

The Psychology of Bargaining, Plus Grievances and Pandemic-Related Issues: Selecting a bargaining strategy; interest based bargaining as compared to hard ball bargaining; grievances; exceptions to arbitration awards; labor relations during  a pandemic.

Friday, August 7

Understanding the FSIP and Arbitration: Panel members, FSIP procedures, recent FSIP developments, the arbitration process overview; binding the arbitrator; how federal government arbitration is different from private sector arbitration and appeals; educating the arbitrator.

 


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 24):

  • 5 days = $1475
  • 4 days = $1195
  • 3 days = $910
  • 2 days = $630
  • 1 day = $345

Standard Tuition (register July 25-August 7):

  • 5 days = $1550
  • 4 days = $1285
  • 3 days = $975
  • 2 days = $685
  • 1 day = $395

 


Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • This program has been pre-approved for CLE credits in Virginia. Additional CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees. If you are seeking CLE credit, FELTG will provide a materials sample for CLE credit that you may use in submission to your state bar. Attendees will also receive a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 24.
Aug
4
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Aug 4 @ 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.

Aug
6
Thu
Webinar – Reasonable Accommodation: A Focus on Qualified Individuals, Essential Functions and Undue Hardship
Aug 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

 1

When the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act became effective nearly a decade ago, the law expanded ADA coverage to include more individuals in disability determinations. In Part 2 of the Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace webinar series, FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson, attorney at law, will take a focused look at three challenging areas in the disability process that have changed in recent years: qualified individuals, essential functions, and undue hardship.

After an overview of the disability accommodation law and analysis, Ms Atkinson will dive into the details, including:

  • How to determine whether an individual is qualified for a particular job
  • How to decide what job functions are essential, and what job functions are marginal or ancillary
  • What factors control an undue hardship determination

You’ll have time to ask your questions, and get answers in real time, so make plans now to attend this important event.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by July 20).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made July 21 or later).

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Aug 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Ann BoehmDwight Lewis

Course Description

One of the most important – and challenging – areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act changed the law more than ten years ago. Yet, too many agencies are still following outdated procedures that are not compliant with the law. Because there are so many complexities in the reasonable accommodation process, the best way to avoid pitfalls and to be sure you provide accommodations for people who are entitled is to follow the appropriate steps, in the proper order.

Updated for 2020, FELTG proudly presents a five-part series on reasonable accommodation in the federal workplace, covering everything from the basics of the law to challenges such as providing accommodations to teleworkers. Attend one session, or attend them all.

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation: The Law, the Challenges & Solutions (July 30)

Session 2:  Reasonable Accommodation: A Focus on Qualified Individuals, Essential Functions, Undue Hardship (August 6)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation: When to Say “Yes” and When to Say “No” (August 13)

Session 4:  Hear it from a Judge: The Reasonable Accommodation Mistakes Agencies Make (August 20)

Session 5: Understanding Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodation (August 27)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by July 20).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made July 21 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 20 and pay only $1125!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

 

Aug
10
Mon
Virtual Training Event – EEOC Law Week
Aug 10 – Aug 14 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

If you’re looking for training that covers the gamut of EEO issues, and provides usable guidance for all practitioners, regardless of experience level, this is it: FELTG’s EEOC Law Week. FELTG’s expert speakers, drawing on years of experience from all sides of the litigation table, deliver a fast-paced week of strategies, principles, and authorities relative to the major aspects of the field of discrimination law in the federal government. This course is updated for 2020, including the latest on EEOC’s COVID-19 guidance and workplace harassment. In addition, this in-depth training provides the required material for EEO counselors and investigators to receive certification hours.

The program runs 9:00 am – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a break from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm., and is pre-approved for 29 CLE credits in Virginia and California. It is also approved for 29 HRCI general recertification credits.

 6 per day Monday – Thursday; 5 on Friday.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; EEO counselors and investigators; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; federal supervisors and managers who have complicated EEO issues in the workplace; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; union representatives.

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Meghan Droste, Bob Woods

Daily Agenda

Monday, August 10

Basic EEOC: Nuts & Bolts: Course topics: Statutory authority and jurisdiction of EEOC; an overview of the theories of discrimination; overview of the EEO process; amended and consolidated complaints; timeliness issues in the wake of the Supreme Court decisions in Morgan and Ledbetter.

Tuesday, August 11

Contractor Complaints; Intentional Discrimination and Reprisal Cases: Course topics: The agency’s role and obligations when a contractor files an EEO complaint; intentional discrimination analysis and cases; selection and promotion cases; a focus on national origin and religious discrimination cases; reprisal analysis and case updates.

Wednesday, August 12 

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities: Course topics: The Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, defining individual with a disability, understanding major life activities and substantial limitations; identifying essential job functions; the legal requirements for the interactive process; types of reasonable accommodation; the latest on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and relevant regulations.

Thursday, August 13

Current Trends in EEO Law: A Focus on Harassment: Course topics: The very latest on what’s happening in EEO; hostile environment harassment; gender stereotyping; same-sex harassment; recent court decisions on sexual orientation and transgender discrimination; non-EEO harassment; settling EEO cases.

Friday, August 14

Mixed Cases; Damages & Remedies: Course topics: Understanding the world of mixed cases with special presenter Don Names; overview of equitable remedies: back pay, front pay, reinstatement; non-pecuniary and pecuniary damages; past and future damages; damages offsets; the duty to mitigate damages; collateral sources and pre-existing conditions; multiple causations of harm; the eggshell complainant; plus a bonus segment on recent relevant EEOC decisions.

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 27):

  • 5 days = $2190
  • 4 days = $1795
  • 3 days = $1385
  • 2 days = $980
  • 1 day = $540

Standard Tuition (register July 28 – August 14):

  • 5 days = $2290
  • 4 days = $1895
  • 3 days = $1485
  • 2 days = $1080
  • 1 day = $640

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by July 27 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after July 27 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 27.

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.

Aug
13
Thu
Webinar – Telework as Reasonable Accommodation: When to Say “Yes” and When to Say “No”
Aug 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1

The law requires federal agencies to engage in the interactive process when assessing reasonable accommodations for employees who have disabilities. Telework is one of the the most commonly requested – and most effective – accommodations for individuals who have physical and mental disabilities. But telework is often requested in cases where the “convenience” of working from home is called into question. What should you do in those situations?

Join FELTG President and Attorney at Law Deborah Hopkins for a discussion on this timely topic during Part 3 of the Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace webinar series. Ms Hopkins will start with a quick review of the law, and will detail the required three-step process for agencies to be compliant when dealing with reasonable accommodation requests.

From there, she’ll discuss:

  • What to do if telework would be an effective accommodation – but something else would work too
  • Who gets to choose the accommodation
  • What the EEOC says about accommodating an employee’s commute
  • When an agency can legally deny telework as an accommodation

Often times the best way to learn is by looking at real-life case studies, so the session will include a discussion on recent federal cases – won and lost – involving telework requests as reasonable accommodation. Because of the cost incurred when handling a reasonable accommodation complaint, your agency EEO staff, reasonable accommodation coordinators, disability coordinators, HR staff and supervisors truly cannot afford to miss this event.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by July 20).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made July 21 or later).

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Aug 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Ann BoehmDwight Lewis

Course Description

One of the most important – and challenging – areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act changed the law more than ten years ago. Yet, too many agencies are still following outdated procedures that are not compliant with the law. Because there are so many complexities in the reasonable accommodation process, the best way to avoid pitfalls and to be sure you provide accommodations for people who are entitled is to follow the appropriate steps, in the proper order.

Updated for 2020, FELTG proudly presents a five-part series on reasonable accommodation in the federal workplace, covering everything from the basics of the law to challenges such as providing accommodations to teleworkers. Attend one session, or attend them all.

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation: The Law, the Challenges & Solutions (July 30)

Session 2:  Reasonable Accommodation: A Focus on Qualified Individuals, Essential Functions, Undue Hardship (August 6)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation: When to Say “Yes” and When to Say “No” (August 13)

Session 4:  Hear it from a Judge: The Reasonable Accommodation Mistakes Agencies Make (August 20)

Session 5: Understanding Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodation (August 27)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by July 20).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made July 21 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 20 and pay only $1125!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

 

Aug
18
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Aug 18 @ 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.

Aug
19
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Effectively Managing and Communicating With Federal Employees
Aug 19 – Aug 20 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

The one-size-fits-all approach to managing others is ineffective, and that becomes particularly apparent when the majority of your staff is teleworking.  Drawing upon the latest research and best practices in behavioral science, communication, team effectiveness, and generational studies, while making special consideration of the increased use of telework during the COVID-19 pandemic, FELTG Instructor Dr. Anthony Marchese will share his insight and practical strategies to ensure you are managing for success.

Sessions will be held from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern, with a break from 2:00-2:30 pm.

Instructor

FELTG Instructor Dr. Anthony Marchese

Anthony Marchese, PhD

Who Should Attend

Federal supervisors and managers; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO specialists; union representatives.

Agenda

Wednesday, August 19 – Managing Effectively

12:30-4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00-2:30)

Course description: Dr. Marchese will explain the difference between managing and leading, and help you to identify your strength and hone your supervisory skills. Using realistic agency scenarios, participants will learn how to understand and leverage individual differences to develop a meaningful management methodology that is targeted to the needs of their employees and those of the agency.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify strategies for managing difficult employees.
  • Successfully manage a mobile workforce.
  • Employ a specific set of skills to resolve workplace conflicts – including virtual conflicts.

Thursday, August 20 – Communicating Effectively

12:30-4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00-2:30)

Course description: What is stopping you and your team from developing innovative solutions to your most challenging problems? Oftentimes, the problem lies in a unit’s lack of communication. In Day 2 of this interactive virtual training, Dr. Marchese will share several strategies for improving communication with your staff – and it starts with you providing ongoing feedback on employee performance.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • (And how often to) communicate performance expectations.
  • Recognize the differences between positive and negative framing.
  • Hold difficult conversations with employees.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $275 per session, $525 for both sessions (register by August 10).
  • Standard Tuition: $330 per session, $595 for both sessions (register August 11-20).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through August 10.

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.

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