Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Apr
1
Thu
Webinar – When the ADA and FMLA Collide
Apr 1 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

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. What’s the difference between a serious health condition and an ADA disability? Does the FMLA limit on leave apply to a reasonable accommodation of leave? This 60-minute webinar 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.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify areas and situations in which the ADA and FMLA intersect
  • Determine whether a condition is covered by the ADA, FMLA, or both.
  • Assess when leave is an appropriate accommodation.

This is the second of four webinars in FELTG’s 2021 Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process series.

EEO Refresher Hours: 1

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by February 23)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made by February 24)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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

Webinar Series – Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process
Apr 1 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste

Series Description

Equal Employment Opportunity claims can be a long and often complicated process, and some challenges are a bit more troublesome than others. It’s those topics we are tackling during this four-part webinar series. Why should know the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Babb v. Wilkie? What are steps you can take to avoid an age discrimination claim? What’s the difference between serious health condition and an ADA disability? And what happens if you confuse the two? How do you determine whether a job task is an essential function? How do you define a “prompt and effective” response to a complaint?

We’ll answer these questions and more over the course of four 60-minute webinars, held the first Thursday of the month. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by February 23).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made February 24 or later).
  • Register for all four webinars by February 23 and pay only $910!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

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

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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.

Apr
20
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Apr 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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.

Apr
27
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law
Apr 27 – Apr 30 all-day

Download Registration Form

Event Description

A brand-new administration with starkly different priorities than the previous White House occupants. A massive effort to return to pre-pandemic normalcy in the workplace. New case law eventually emerging from EEOC, FLRA, and, possibly, MSPB. This year in the federal employment law world is bound to be one of change and challenge. Over four days, the FELTG Virtual Training Institute’s second annual Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law event will focus on complying with laws, regulations, and Executive Orders under a new administration.

This event offers 15 live instructor-led sessions, aimed at providing you with the latest legal and practical guidance to meet the current situation. Renew your efforts to hold employees accountable for roller-coaster performance. Identify the mistakes holding you back from taking misconduct actions that withstand third-party scrutiny. Take steps to prevent and correct harassment. Find out how to address contractors’ EEO complaints. Review your responsibilities for handling the new complexities of leave, reasonable accommodation requests involving animals, and preventing and correcting workplace harassment. Learn strategies for managing teleworkers. Get the latest on case law and all other developments at the EEOC, FLRA, and MSPB. Review the EEO lessons learned – and still being learned – from COVID-19.  And much much more. Don’t put off getting the important training you need. The open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law program provides benefits you won’t get from other online conference providers. You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for the whole program. You receive opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Earn CLE credits and EEO refresher training credits. Four days. Fifteen sessions. Ten instructors. We’d love to have you join us.

Download Registration Form

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.



Tuesday, April 27, 2021

MSPB Day

 

Session 1
9:30 – 10:45 am EDT

 

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a New Board
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: Once again, we have a glimmer of hope that a new Board will be nominated and voted into place at the MSPB. What does this mean for federal HR professionals? What does this mean for all those agencies and employees whose cases have been piling up unread at the Board? How will Executive Order 14003 and OPM regulations fit into the picture? How is the Board impacted by the decisions the Federal Circuit has been making in its absence of a quorum? FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give an overview of what we can expect in the upcoming months from a new MSPB, the challenges awaiting the incoming members, and where the Board might stand on critical issues like performance and conduct accountability under the Biden Administration. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.


Session 2
11:15 am  – 12:30 pm EDT

 

What Do You Do With the Douglas Factors?
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: You likely know those 12 factors identified in the landmark 1981 MSPB decision that birthed their name. But do you know how to use them to determine the appropriate penalty? Attorney Ann Boehm will share case law highlighting how agencies correctly use the Douglas factors and, more importantly, how they were misapplied. She will answer all your Douglas questions, such as: Do the factors go in the proposal or the decision? What do OPM’s new regs say about the Douglas factors? In light of the Accountability Act, does the VA still have to do Douglas factors? Attendees will leave this session with the knowledge to avoid the too-common Douglas mistakes. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.


Session 3
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT 

 

The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance
Presented by Robert Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: You’ve undoubtedly seen it several times, and it’s always frustrating. An employee is put on a performance demonstration period (DP, PIP, ODAP – or whatever your agency calls it) and does well enough to stay in his position. But when the DP ends, his performance dips again. As employees return en masse and attempt to re-adjust to the physical workplace, it’s highly likely that you’ll see some drops in performance  – whether they employees are on a DP or not. Attorney Bob Woods will explain how to effectively and efficiently handle wide swings in performance. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.


Session 4
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm EDT

 

When Employees Go Insubordinate: Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President; and Marcus Hill, former Senior Executive Advisor/Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: If you’ve ever been a supervisor or advised one, then you’ve most likely dealt with an employee who did not do what he was asked, or, possibly, did the exact opposite. That may sound like a good definition of insubordination for Webster’s Dictionary, but it’s not going to work for the MSPB.  Charges of workplace misconduct have specific legal definitions, which include elements. And to prove a charge, you need to prove all of its elements. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will walk you through the elements of insubordination and the factors that determine how to best deal with employees who disobey, or refuse to follow, management orders. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

 



Wednesday, April 28, 2021

EEOC Day

 

Session 5
9:30 am – 10:45 am EDT

 

Preventing and Correcting Hostile Work Environment Harassment
Presented by Meghan Droste, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Not all hostile work environment cases involve sexual harassment. However, as attorney Meghan Droste will show you, a large majority do. And yet, hostile environment harassment is often alleged based on all of the protected categories –  sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or reprisal. Ms. Droste will define the “nature of the conduct,” as well as the “unwelcome” and the “sufficiently severe or pervasive” requirements. She’ll also discuss agency and supervisor liability, share successful prevention techniques, and the provisions of Executive Order 13985 and 13988 that apply to Federal agencies. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25


Session 6
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

 

Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Service and Therapy Animals in the Workspace
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President; and Ricky Rowe, Former National EEO Manager/Veterans Affairs, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Pet ownership increased and animal shelters emptied during COVID-enforced lockdowns in 2020. Undoubtedly, remote workers have enjoyed the therapeutic benefits that come with owning a pet. But does that make their new furry friends therapy or emotional support animals? And can no-longer-remote employees bring their new four-legged friends to the workplace? In most cases, the answer is an easy no. But if it’s a reasonable accommodation request, the answer isn’t quite as definitive. The EEOC’s stance that an emotional support animal may be a required reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual with a disability, even if it is not a trained service dog, fails to provide an easy answer. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the difference between a service animal and a therapy animal, and provide guidance on how to determine if an emotional support animal would be a reasonable accommodation for an individual with a disability. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25


Session 7
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT

 

What to Do When Contractors File EEO Complaints
Presented by Robert Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: A federal contractor may file a formal EEO complaint if the agency is determined to be a “joint employer.” How do you determine if you are a joint employer? That determination begins with the case Ma v. HHS. Attorney Bob Woods will walk you through how to apply the Ma factors to your situation. He’ll also explain the roles and responsibilities of agency personnel when contractors start the EEO process, as well as defenses to the “joint employer” allegation. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25


Session 8
3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT

 

COVID-19 and EEO: What We’ve Learned and What We Still Need to Know
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law FELTG Instructor

Course description: The pandemic turned the federal workplace upside down, creating numerous unique situations for supervisors and EEO professionals. Increased vaccinations have eased the burden somewhat, but many EEO challenges remain. Attorney Katherine Atkinson will walk you through some of these remaining challenges, and share the EEO lessons learned from  that past year. Attendees will leave with a basic EEO framework that can be used to address COVID-related issues as well as other challenges long after the virus is eradicated. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25



Thursday, April 29, 2021

Emerging Trends Day

 

Session 9
9:30 – 10:45 am EDT

 

Leave for the Federal Employee in 2021
Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

Course description: Rules about leave and attendance have always been complicated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the complexities grew. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will give an overview of leave entitlements with a focus on new Paid Parental Leave (PPL), and recent modifications to FMLA, use of COVID-related weather and safety leave and sick leave. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

 


Session 10
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

 

The Telework Tango: Communication and Feedback for a Remote Workplace
Presented by Anthony Marchese, PhD., Consultant/Author/Trainer, FELTG Instructor

Course description: One of the biggest surprises of the pandemic was how well many Federal employees transitioned to 100% telework. It was so successful that many employees and agencies expect telework opportunities to expand in a post-pandemic world. Anthony Marchese will explain how to tweak and improve your management and communication skills for a remote staff, with specific guidance on providing employee feedback and setting expectations in a virtual world.


Session 11
1:30 – 2:30 pm EDT

 

Addressing Microaggressions and Bias in the Federal Workplace
Presented by Meghan Droste, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Microaggressions, whether intentional or not, can be very hurtful to the employees who experience them. Microaggressions and implicit bias can lead to discrimination. FELTG Instructor Meghan Droste, attorney at law, will explain what microaggressions look like it in their various forms, and provide a quick review of EEO law, so you can determine when bias or microaggression might rise to the level of discrimination. Attend the session, learn how to comply with Executive Orders 13985 and 13988, and you’ll be well on your way to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25


Session 12
3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT

 

Legal Update: Recent Developments in Federal Employment Law, Part I (MSPB, EEOC, Federal Circuit)
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: In federal employment law, things can change quickly. FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will review the most recent and relevant cases, regulations, studies and reports from OPM, the EEOC, the courts, OSC, and (hopefully) the MSPB. Attendees will leave with knowledge of recent developments and with an in-depth analysis of the current employment law climate and its impact on the federal workplace. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.



Friday, April 30, 2021

FLRA Day

 

Session 13
9:30 am – 10:45 pm EDT

 

Legal Update: Recent Developments in Federal Employment Law, Part II (FLRA, FSIP)
Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Over the past year, the Federal Labor Relations Authority has released several precedent-altering decisions. The Federal Service Impasses Panel has issued several noteworthy decisions, but a new panel is on its way. Join FELTG Instructor Joseph Schimansky, the former Executive Director of the Federal Service Impasses Panel, as he reviews the cases and explains what it all means for federal counsel, HR professionals, and labor relations practitioners. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.


Session 14
11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

 

Labor-Management Partnerships: What if They Are Back in Vogue?
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: With a change in Administration often comes a new approach to labor management relations. And with a Democrat in the White House, we’re likely to soon see a push for a more collaborative method. Will it be like the Clinton-era partnerships? Or more like a Obama-era forums? FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will explain what the new approach will likely look like, and how you and your agency can best prepare. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.


Session 15
1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT

 

Impact and Implementation Bargaining in the Federal Workplace
Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

Course description: When an agency makes a change, it may trigger an obligation to negotiate. In late 2020, however, the Federal Labor Relations Authority released three precedent-breaking decisions that pushed the reset button on bargaining with unions. The Authority’s decision in U.S. Department of Education, in particular, seriously diluted that management obligation to negotiate. FELTG Instructor Joe Schimansky will explain the standard for triggering a duty to bargain over impact and implementation. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.


Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by April 13): One Session = $130 (April 27-29) | One SessIon = $135 (April 30)  |                                      April 27-29 All Access = $1400 |  April 27-30 All Access with Labor Relations = $1725
  • Standard Tuition (register April 14-30): One Session = $160 | One SessIon = $165 (April 30)  |                                                            April 27-29 All Access = $1500 |  April 27-30 All Access with Labor Relations = $1825
  • Rates per registrant.

 

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.
  • How do I claim CLE or EEO refresher credits?
    • This program has been submitted (and we anticipate this program will be approved) for Virginia CLE credits. Members of other state bars must submit for CLE credit on their own, and may use the materials provided by FELTG in submissions. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended, and will designate how many EEO refresher hours were earned.
  • Can I get HRCI credits for attending this class?
    • Each session is approved for 1.25 hours of HRCI general recertification credit. The HRCI course numbers will be available upon the conclusion of the training.
  • 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 April 13.

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.

 

May
4
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Advanced Employee Relations
May 4 – May 6 all-day

Download 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.

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

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday, May 4

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, including Paid Parental 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, May 5

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. 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, May 6

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 April 19):
      • 3 days = $1370
      • 2 days = $970
      • 1 day = $530

      Standard Tuition (register April 20 – May 6):

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

       

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to have the best chance to receive materials by the training date, please register by April 19 and provide a shipping address, and your materials will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. Registrations received after April 19 will also receive printed materials, which will be shipped Priority Mail when registration is received; they may not arrive in time for the training.

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 April 19.
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
May 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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.

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

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

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. 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

This is the third of four webinars in FELTG’s 2021 Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process series.

EEO Refresher Hours: 1

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by February 23)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made February 24 or later)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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

Webinar Series – Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process
May 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste

Series Description

Equal Employment Opportunity claims can be a long and often complicated process, and some challenges are a bit more troublesome than others. It’s those topics we are tackling during this four-part webinar series. Why should know the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Babb v. Wilkie? What are steps you can take to avoid an age discrimination claim? What’s the difference between serious health condition and an ADA disability? And what happens if you confuse the two? How do you determine whether a job task is an essential function? How do you define a “prompt and effective” response to a complaint?

We’ll answer these questions and more over the course of four 60-minute webinars, held the first Thursday of the month. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by February 23).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made February 24 or later).
  • Register for all four webinars by February 23 and pay only $910!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

May
13
Thu
Webinar – Handling Teleworker Performance and Conduct Challenges
May 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

One of the biggest discoveries of the pandemic has been how well federal employees have transitioned to telework. That’s good since most will continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future, and increased telework appears to be in many agencies’ long-term plans.

But telework isn’t for everyone, and some employees will struggle regardless of whether they’re at home or in an office. Poor performance and misconduct can never be overlooked, particularly under a new administration in which accountability is prioritized.

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. Using the UnCivil Servant framework, 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 90 minutes, Ms. Hopkins will address challenges such as remote employees, who:

  • Misuse technology or violate time and attendance protocols.
  • Fail to perform their critical element(s) at an acceptable level.
  • Request telework as a Reasonable Accommodation.

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 you have enough evidence that a non-performer should be put on a demonstration period during emergency telework.
  • Manage a demonstration period remotely.

 

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Price

Early Bird Tuition (payment required by May 3): $270

Standard Tuition (payment made by May 4 or later): $300

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

May
18
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
May 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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.

May
27
Thu
Virtual Training Event – The Performance Equation: Providing Feedback That Makes a Difference
May 27 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

There is one action you can take that, when done effectively, could have a major impact on your team’s morale and productivity. This action is something that you should be doing on a regular basis, yet it’s often overlooked amid your busy schedule. What’s this transformative action? It’s giving your employees honest, and ongoing, feedback.

During this half-day interactive virtual training experience, FELTG Instructor Anthony Marchese, Ph.D., will equip participants with the necessary tools to nurture a culture of candor that will lead to healthy and actionable feedback. You’ll learn best practices for motivating and recognizing employees, and neuroscience-based strategies for maximizing performance even when leading employees in a virtual environment. Dr. Marchese will also expose feedback myths and share the ineffective practices that you need to avoid.

Don’t let anxiety, frustration, or confusion prevent you from having honest performance-related discussions with your employees. Providing feedback effectively is a skill that can — and should — be developed. Fix performance problems before they begin. Make your agency a more efficient place to work.

This interactive session will include breakout groups, giving participants a chance to interact with each other.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Communicate performance expectations.
  • Supervise effectively in a virtual environment.
  • Differentiate between positive and negative framing.
  • Identify behavioral styles, including your own, to provide feedback that is better understood and more useful.

Also, you will have numerous  opportunities to ask questions about the unique problems you’re facing during these unprecedented times. This program runs from 12:30 – 4:00 eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Anthony Marchese

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by May 13): $340
  • Standard Tuition (register May 14-27): $380
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through May 13. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
  • 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.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • 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 May 13.

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

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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
2
Wed
Virtual Training Event – EEO Challenges, COVID-19, and a Return to Workplace Normalcy
Jun 2 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

More Americans are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations each day. But while the vaccine is helping eradicate the virus, it hasn’t put an end to pandemic-related EEO challenges. If anything, the increased availability of the COVID vaccines has created some new and even more difficult EEO quandaries.

Attorney Katherine Atkinson helped FELTG customers navigate these uncharted waters in 2020, and now she returns with more answers and the latest available guidance, including how to respond to employees who won’t take the vaccine due to disability, or religious reasons.

No doubt about it. The federal workplace was turned upside down in 2020 as more than a million employees suddenly became full-time teleworkers. While employees vanished from the physical workplace, EEO problems did not.  Meanwhile, EEO issues rose for health care providers, security officers, law enforcement officials, and other essential workers. These EEO problems have gotten more challenging — and many of the situations arising have no legal precedent.

Ms. Atkinson will explain how applying the basic EEO framework can answer the aforementioned and other puzzling EEO questions you may suddenly face. Because Ms. Atkinson will use a legal analysis to address these challenges, the answers and guidance you receive during this virtual training will be useful long after the coronavirus is gone.

Topics covered will include answers to these questions:

  • Can you require that an employee take the vaccine before returning to the workplace?
  • What if an employee refuses to take the vaccine, but is also not in a position that can be done remotely?
  • If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
  • How would you handle an employee’s claim that he’s being harassed because he is at high risk for COVID-19, or has recovered from the virus?
  • Can you direct someone with asthma to telework when she prefers to work in the office?
  • Does asking the pre-vaccination screening questions create a violation of Title II of the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act?

Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about the unique problems you’re facing during these unprecedented times.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to determine:

  • Whether an employee with COVID-19 or pre-existing respiratory sensitivities should receive a reasonable accommodation.
  • How OPM’s telework flexibilities impact the federal workplace.
  • When and how to take action against pandemic-related harassment and discrimination.

This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:30 – 3:00 eastern.

3

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by May 18): $340
  • Standard Tuition (register May 19 or later): $380
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through May 18. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast 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.
    • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
      • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • 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 May 18.

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
3
Thu
Webinar Series – Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process
Jun 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste

Series Description

Equal Employment Opportunity claims can be a long and often complicated process, and some challenges are a bit more troublesome than others. It’s those topics we are tackling during this four-part webinar series. Why should know the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Babb v. Wilkie? What are steps you can take to avoid an age discrimination claim? What’s the difference between serious health condition and an ADA disability? And what happens if you confuse the two? How do you determine whether a job task is an essential function? How do you define a “prompt and effective” response to a complaint?

We’ll answer these questions and more over the course of four 60-minute webinars, held the first Thursday of the month. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by February 23).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made February 24 or later).
  • Register for all four webinars by February 23 and pay only $910!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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
15
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jun 15 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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
28
Mon
Virtual Training Event – FELTG Town Hall: Handling Threats of Violence on the Federal Workforce
Jun 28 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

The country and its workplaces are eyeing a return to pre-pandemic normalcy. But normal didn’t equate to perfect before COVID-19, and it won’t be that way after. As virus-related restrictions began to ease in recent weeks, news networks shifted their focus to a string of deadly violence across the country. The network attention was new, but the violence wasn’t. It had been on the upswing before the pandemic even arrived.

It’s not hyperbole to suggest that a violent threat (whether by gun, knife, vehicle, bomb, or mob) in or near your workplace would be the most demanding and traumatic situation you’ve ever faced.  Unfortunately, the federal government is not immune from this violence, as recent events at the Capitol illustrate. This training aims to provide you with the knowledge and foresight to be as prepared as you can be.

During this special 2-hour event, you will learn how to:

  • Efficiently and effectively address threats of violence made by an employee, customer, known entity, or stranger with anti-government motivations.
  • Understand the role of Federal law enforcement in managing a crisis.
  • Implement best practices for workplace safety.

This special FELTG Town Hall is a rare opportunity to discuss this difficult topic as it applies specifically to the federal workplace. It’s a must-attend for Law Enforcement Officers, HR directors, L/ER specialists, EEO professionals, agency counsel, supervisors, union officials, and employees, or anyone else in your agency who wants to learn about bystander intervention, de-escalation techniques, and other tools for handling threats of violence.

Our panel provides unique experience and expertise. As co-founder and a senior vice president at Xferall, Shana Palmieri has more than 15 issues of direct clinical experience in areas including emergency psychiatric assessment and treatment, domestic violence, chronic homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders. Attorney at Law Deborah Hopkins is president of FELTG and co-author of UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct. And the majority of Ann Boehm’s 26-year career as a government attorney was spent in law enforcement organizations.

This LIVE event also provides several opportunities to ask questions.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Shana Palmieri

Ann Boehm

Deborah Hopkins

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 (register by June 11).
  • Standard Tuition: $345 (register by June 12-28).
  • Rates per registrant.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast 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 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.
  • 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 11.

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
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jun 29 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jul 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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
15
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Jul 15 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

One of the most important and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs. And the pandemic has made these laws even trickier and more important than usual.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act is more than ten years old; the ADA is more than 30, and the Rehabilitation Act is nearing 50. However, too many agencies continue to follow 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.

Yet, times change, and we learn new information about medical conditions, while new medications and treatments raise different issues. Technological advances create opportunities that previously didn’t exist. And once-in-a-lifetime pandemics create new, multifaceted challenges.

Updated for 2021, FELTG’s annual five-part series on reasonable accommodation provides an opportunity to re-familiarize yourself with the critical foundation of disability law, and apply it to the ever-evolving federal workplace. The series will tackle everything from the basics of the law to challenges, such as providing accommodations to teleworkers and accommodating invisible disabilities. You’ll learn from the mistakes others have made, as well as how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

This series meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 15)

Session 2: Accommodating Invisible Disabilities (July 22)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (July 29)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 5)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodations (August 12)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240.00 per site, per session (payment made by July 2).
  • Standard Tuition: $270.00 per site, per session (payment made July 3 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 2 and pay only $1,150.00!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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
21
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Dealing With Employee Mental Health Challenges During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jul 21 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the ongoing behavioral and mental health crisis in this country. Almost 18 percent of all adults have a behavioral health diagnosis at some point in their lives. After a year of isolation, new work processes, heightened responsibilities, and political minefields, employees with a mental health diagnosis will soon be returning to the physical workplace.

On April 30, OPM released a memo on the importance of mental health and the well-being of Federal employees: “Awareness of mental health supports for Federal employees is an important element of protecting employee well-being and sustaining a high performing Federal workforce.”

What are you doing to prepare yourself and your agency for the influx of challenges you’ll face as all employees return, particularly those with a mental health diagnosis? If one of your employees had a mental health crisis in the workplace, would you know what to do? What if employee in crisis is working from home?

This virtual training program will provide highly practical guidance and straight-forward advice on dealing with the very unique challenges you face, as some employees continue to telework, while others make their way back to the workplace.

Licensed Clinical Social Work Shana Palmieri will de-stigmatize the truth about “mental illness” and will explain the impact various mental health conditions have on individuals, and those with whom they work. She’ll also provide strategies for effectively supervising and managing employees with these conditions, whether they’re in the office or working remotely.

Ms. Palmieri will answer challenging questions like:

  • What do you do if you suspect a mental health crisis and the employee won’t answer his phone?
  • How do you provide constructive criticism to someone who exhibits narcissistic behavior?
  • If you suspect that one of your employees has a mental impairment, what can you do beyond directing them to EAP?
  • What are the symptoms of a personality disorder?

Attendees will learn how to walk the tenuous line between providing accommodations and support for a mental health condition and holding employees accountable for their work performance. Attend this timely virtual training event and learn strategies to:

  • Improve performance and success for employees with mental health conditions.
  • Communicate effectively with all employees.
  • Successfully accommodate employees with behavioral health conditions.
  • Set appropriate boundaries and expectations in the workplace.
  • Handle a crisis or outburst in the workplace.

This class focuses on the practical and clinical side of managing employees with behavioral health conditions, rather than the legal side. It will be held from 1:00 – 4:30pm ET. You won’t want to miss it.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Shana Palmieri

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $340 (register by July 6).
  • Standard Tuition: $380 (register by July 7-21).
  • Rates per registrant.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute 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 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 July 6.

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

 

Jul
22
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Jul 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

One of the most important and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs. And the pandemic has made these laws even trickier and more important than usual.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act is more than ten years old; the ADA is more than 30, and the Rehabilitation Act is nearing 50. However, too many agencies continue to follow 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.

Yet, times change, and we learn new information about medical conditions, while new medications and treatments raise different issues. Technological advances create opportunities that previously didn’t exist. And once-in-a-lifetime pandemics create new, multifaceted challenges.

Updated for 2021, FELTG’s annual five-part series on reasonable accommodation provides an opportunity to re-familiarize yourself with the critical foundation of disability law, and apply it to the ever-evolving federal workplace. The series will tackle everything from the basics of the law to challenges, such as providing accommodations to teleworkers and accommodating invisible disabilities. You’ll learn from the mistakes others have made, as well as how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

This series meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 15)

Session 2: Accommodating Invisible Disabilities (July 22)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (July 29)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 5)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodations (August 12)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240.00 per site, per session (payment made by July 2).
  • Standard Tuition: $270.00 per site, per session (payment made July 3 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 2 and pay only $1,150.00!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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
26
Mon
Virtual Training Event – The Post-Pandemic Federal Workplace: Managing Accountability and EEO Challenges
Jul 26 – Jul 30 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Welcome to the post-pandemic workplace. We’ve focused our weeklong Managing Federal Employee Accountability program and made it even more timely and useful, specific to challenges your agencies are facing in 2021. If you’re a federal supervisor, an adviser in L/ER or legal, or a union representative, you can’t afford to miss this program.

This week of half-day programs covers a range of topics including:

  • Employee accountability for conduct and performance
  • Managing leave abuse
  • Handling EEO challenges related to COVID-19
  • Complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin
  • Handling Telework requests as employees return to the office

On the fifth and final day of training, attendees will apply all they’ve learned from the previous four days to handle these challenges in remote work environments.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Registrants can attend the full week, or select which days they’d like to attend.

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm

Daily Agenda:

Monday, July 26

Understanding Misconduct: Disciplinary Charges and Penalties:

  • Legal foundations of disciplinary actions
  • The five elements of discipline
  • Drafting defensible charges and penalties under a new MSPB

Tuesday, July 27

Maximizing Accountability in Performance:

  • The legislative and regulatory background
  • Environment, system requirements, elements and standards
  • Understanding the difference between conduct and performance feedback
  • Writing effective performance plans, MSPB case law on performance plans
  • Within-grade increases
  • Performance demonstration periods, taking action on unacceptable performance

Wednesday, July 28

Handling Employee Leave Issues:

  • General principles regarding leave
  • Approval/disapproval of annual leave
  • New provisions for Emergency Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 in 2021
  • Accrual of sick leave, eligibility to use sick leave, uses of leave for family care, notification requirements
  • Sick leave documentation requirements, discretion in approving sick leave and sick leave abuse, employee eligibility to use FMLA
  • Requesting FMLA leave, medical certification requirements, substitution of paid leave, Paid Parental Leave
  • Other leave types – LWOP, Disabled Veteran Leave, Leave Transfer, and AWOL.

Thursday, July 29

EEO and COVID-19 in the Federal Workplace:

  • Determining whether an employee with COVID-19 or pre-existing respiratory sensitivities should receive a reasonable accommodation
  • Taking action against pandemic-related harassment and discrimination
  • Discrimination based on race, color, or national origin

Friday, July 30

The 2021 Telework Challenge:

  • Holding teleworkers and other remote workers accountable for performance and conduct
  • Special telework performance and conduct challenges
  • OPM’s telework flexibilities; telework as reasonable accommodation
  • Agency options when employees refuse to report to the physical workplace

Price

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 9):

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

Standard Tuition (register July 10-30):

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

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for 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?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is July 9.
  • Can I earn CLE credits or EEO refresher training for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG goes 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.

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
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Jul 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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
29
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Jul 29 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

One of the most important and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs. And the pandemic has made these laws even trickier and more important than usual.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act is more than ten years old; the ADA is more than 30, and the Rehabilitation Act is nearing 50. However, too many agencies continue to follow 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.

Yet, times change, and we learn new information about medical conditions, while new medications and treatments raise different issues. Technological advances create opportunities that previously didn’t exist. And once-in-a-lifetime pandemics create new, multifaceted challenges.

Updated for 2021, FELTG’s annual five-part series on reasonable accommodation provides an opportunity to re-familiarize yourself with the critical foundation of disability law, and apply it to the ever-evolving federal workplace. The series will tackle everything from the basics of the law to challenges, such as providing accommodations to teleworkers and accommodating invisible disabilities. You’ll learn from the mistakes others have made, as well as how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

This series meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 15)

Session 2: Accommodating Invisible Disabilities (July 22)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (July 29)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 5)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodations (August 12)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240.00 per site, per session (payment made by July 2).
  • Standard Tuition: $270.00 per site, per session (payment made July 3 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 2 and pay only $1,150.00!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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
5
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Aug 5 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

One of the most important and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs. And the pandemic has made these laws even trickier and more important than usual.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act is more than ten years old; the ADA is more than 30, and the Rehabilitation Act is nearing 50. However, too many agencies continue to follow 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.

Yet, times change, and we learn new information about medical conditions, while new medications and treatments raise different issues. Technological advances create opportunities that previously didn’t exist. And once-in-a-lifetime pandemics create new, multifaceted challenges.

Updated for 2021, FELTG’s annual five-part series on reasonable accommodation provides an opportunity to re-familiarize yourself with the critical foundation of disability law, and apply it to the ever-evolving federal workplace. The series will tackle everything from the basics of the law to challenges, such as providing accommodations to teleworkers and accommodating invisible disabilities. You’ll learn from the mistakes others have made, as well as how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

This series meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 15)

Session 2: Accommodating Invisible Disabilities (July 22)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (July 29)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 5)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodations (August 12)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240.00 per site, per session (payment made by July 2).
  • Standard Tuition: $270.00 per site, per session (payment made July 3 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 2 and pay only $1,150.00!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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
10
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Aug 10 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

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

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and 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).

2021 dates:

March 9: 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 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: 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.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: 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.

June 1: 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.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: 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 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: 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.

August 31: 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 March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $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 March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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
12
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace
Aug 12 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Course Description

One of the most important and complex areas in federal employment law is the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, whether it’s to qualified individuals with disabilities or for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs. And the pandemic has made these laws even trickier and more important than usual.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act is more than ten years old; the ADA is more than 30, and the Rehabilitation Act is nearing 50. However, too many agencies continue to follow 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.

Yet, times change, and we learn new information about medical conditions, while new medications and treatments raise different issues. Technological advances create opportunities that previously didn’t exist. And once-in-a-lifetime pandemics create new, multifaceted challenges.

Updated for 2021, FELTG’s annual five-part series on reasonable accommodation provides an opportunity to re-familiarize yourself with the critical foundation of disability law, and apply it to the ever-evolving federal workplace. The series will tackle everything from the basics of the law to challenges, such as providing accommodations to teleworkers and accommodating invisible disabilities. You’ll learn from the mistakes others have made, as well as how the law differs for religious accommodation. Attend one session, or attend them all.

This series meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Reasonable Accommodation Overview and Analysis (July 15)

Session 2: Accommodating Invisible Disabilities (July 22)

Session 3: Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (July 29)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation: The Mistakes Agencies Make (August 5)

Session 5: Religious Accommodations: How They’re Different from Disability Accommodations (August 12)

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240.00 per site, per session (payment made by July 2).
  • Standard Tuition: $270.00 per site, per session (payment made July 3 or later).
  • Register for all five webinars by July 2 and pay only $1,150.00!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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
17
Tue
Virtual Training Event – FELTG Town Hall: Creating and Promoting a Federal Workplace That Looks More Like America
Aug 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Course Description

President Biden’s recent Executive Order 14035 initiated a wide-ranging plan to improve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in the Federal government, with a goal to create a workforce that “looks more like America” and represents people from all segments of society. This new effort tasks the Office of Personnel Management, Office of Management and Budget, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with key roles in the development of a more diverse representation in not only the Federal workforce in general, but also in senior leadership positions.

Agencies were given 100 days to assess the impact of their own practices, policies, and procedures on DEIA.

Join Attorney at Law Meghan Droste and Marcus Hill, former Senior Executive Advisor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and current board member of the Senior Executives Association, as they discuss the details of the Executive Order and share guidance on what you can do to set and meet your agency’s DEIA goals. They will also share the key provisions of President Biden’s two previous DEIA-related Executive Orders, highlight the interaction among all three EOs, and detail the steps your agency can take to ensure equity for all employees.

Attend this 90-minute town hall discussion for answers to questions, such as:

  • How do you more efficiently recruit and hire a workplace that “looks more like America”?
  • What current hiring practices are actually roadblocks to efforts for a more diverse workplace?
  • What workplace protections do LGBTQ employees have?
  • Why are people of color and individuals with disabilities not fairly represented in agency leadership roles?
  • What groups are considered underserved populations?
  • What steps can you actually take to improve representation of underserved populations?
  • What exact roles do OPM, OMB and EEOC play?
  • What is your agency expected to produce in 100 days?
  • What is the likely future of this initiative after those 100 days are up?

This LIVE event also provides several opportunities for you to ask your questions and get answers in real time.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Meghan Droste

Marcus Hill

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $225 (register by August 2).
  • Standard Tuition: $240 (register August 3-17).
  • Rates per registrant.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast 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 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.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through August 2.

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
24
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Advanced Employee Relations
Aug 24 – Aug 26 all-day

Download 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.

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

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday, August 24

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, including Paid Parental 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, August 25

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. 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, August 26

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 August 9):
      • 3 days = $1370
      • 2 days = $970
      • 1 day = $530

      Standard Tuition (register August 10 or later):

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

       

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to have the best chance to receive materials by the training date, please register by August 9 and provide a shipping address, and your materials will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. Registrations received after August 9 will also receive printed materials, which will be shipped Priority Mail when registration is received; they may not arrive in time for the training.

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 August 9, 2021.

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