Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Oct
5
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
Oct 5 – Oct 7 all-day

Download Registration Form

Event Description

Investigating harassment in your Federal agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. Ensuring that your investigation is legally compliant and protects employees, while helping the agency minimize liability, is a taxing task. It’s even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic when most investigations must be done virtually.

Together, these three instructor-led live training sessions will provide a solid basis for a successful and effective approach to conducting legally-sufficient harassment investigations that stand up upon third-party review. Peruse MSPB and EEOC cases and you’ll find that poorly conducted investigations are far more common than they should be, and the cost of these investigations to agencies are bigger than you’d expect.

Understand the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment. Learn the best techniques to conduct an investigation – whether onsite or virtually. Write a report that covers all the crucial information. And much more.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, this program fulfills the requirements for 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training.

You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for all three. This program runs from 12:30 – 4:00 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern. Participants will receive program materials via email on Monday, October 5.

Download Registration Form



Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: An effective harassment investigation begins with a solid foundation of misconduct law in the federal workplace. Attorney and FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will explain the principles that underpin a successful investigation of federal employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play in to an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the relationship between the foundations of federal accountability and misconduct investigations.
  • Identify and collect relevant penalty evidence during the investigation.
  • Recognize the mistakes that derail effective misconduct and harassment investigations.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: What is the scope of the investigation? Who should you interview? What documents are you going to need? Preparing your investigative plan is a critical step in developing a legally sufficient investigation. Attorney Katherine Atkinson will explain the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with the proper preparation and knowledge. Plus, she’ll answer important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have in the process?

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigations’ legal sufficiency.
  • Identify witness rights and management rights.
  • Recognize the three basic characteristics of evidence in a harassment investigation.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 2:00 – 2:30)
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Attorney Katherine Atkinson will share legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this most critical and challenging part of harassment investigations: conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Ms. Atkinson will also share how technology is changing the investigation process, including a very timely discussion of conducting virtual interviews.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the similarities and differences in conducting onsite and virtual interviews.
  • Apply logic and judgment to evaluate conflicting statements.
  • Write a fulsome report on the findings from the harassment investigation.


Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by Sept 20): One Session = $340  |  Two Sessions = $650  |  Full Event = $900
  • Standard Tuition (register Sept 21 – Oct 7): One Session = $390  |  Two Sessions = $695  |  Full Event = $950
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through Sept 20. Contact FELTG.
  • REGISTER NOW.

 

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.
  • 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 attendees for the full event. Group discounts are only available through September 20.

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.

Oct
12
Tue
Handling Pandemic-Related Reasonable Accommodation Requests and Medical Documentation
Oct 12 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

Agencies face many challenges and unanswered questions as they attempt to bring workers back the physical workspace, especially as they pertain to reasonable accommodation requests and medical information. In this 60-minute webinar, the first in our three-part  Navigating the Return to the Federal Workplace series, Attorney at Law and FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson provide guidance for those challenges and answer those questions, such as:

  • How do you accommodate someone with ‘long COVID’ or post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)?
  • What do you do with the results of an employee’s COVD-19 test?
  • Where do you store the Certifications of Vaccination?
  • Must you accommodate employees who refuse to get the vaccine?
  • If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
  • Do agencies have to provide a reasonable accommodation of permanent telework for an employee who refuses to get the vaccine for religious reasons?

Join us for the other two webinars in this three-part series:

 

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made by October 1).
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per session (payment made October 2 or later).
  • Register for all three webinars by October 1 and pay only $785.

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per webinar 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 the Return to the Federal Workplace 
Oct 12 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

When you think about it, the federal workforce’s response to the pandemic was nothing short of remarkable. A majority of employees began working remotely for the first time in their careers. And by most accounts, it was a success.

So you’d think the eventual return back to the physical workspace would be a breeze.

Think again.

Even before the delta variant began ravaging the country, there was uncertainty on how to best return to the workplace.  Now the variant has put us back almost to square one for a safe and easy return. This makes the Biden Administration’s recent Executive Order mandating all Federal employees and onsite contractors be vaccinated even more prescient.

Between the variant, the vaccination requirement, and the sheer challenge of creating a new hybrid work environment, there is more uncertainty than ever before. FELTG’s “The Return to the Workplace” webinar series offers to provide clear-cut answers, along with the appropriate framework for you to address these unique and unprecedented challenges.

October 12: Handling Pandemic-Related Reasonable Accommodation Requests and Medical Documentation

  • How do you accommodate someone with ‘long COVID’ or post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)?
  • What do you do with the results of an employee’s COVID-19 test?
  • Where do you store the Certifications of Vaccination?
  • Must you accommodate employees who refuse to get the vaccine?
  • If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
  • Do agencies have to provide a reasonable accommodation for an employee who refuses to get the vaccine for religious reasons?

October 19: Vexing Vaccine Requirements: Responding to Requests for Exemptions 

  • Does asking the pre-vaccination screening questions create a violation of Title II of the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act?
  • Can you require employees to provide proof of vaccination, rather than simply “attest” to vaccination status?
  • What do you do if an employee refuses to share his or her vaccination status?
  • How will you determine whether an employee’s religion or medical condition requests vaccination exemptions?

October 26: Post-Pandemic Accountability: Handling Employee Performance and Misconduct in a COVID-19 World

  • How do you hold remote workers accountable for performance and conduct?
  • Is failure to comply with a COVID-19 screening test a performance or conduct issue?
  • How do you provide a performance demonstration period for an employee who is teleworking?
  • What actions can you take against employees who refuse to get vaccinated?

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made by October 1).
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per session (payment made October 2 or later).
  • Register for all three webinars by October 1 and pay only $785.

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per webinar 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.

Oct
18
Mon
Virtual Training Event – FLRA Law Week
Oct 18 – Oct 22 all-day

COVID-19 Note: Due to continued travel and gathering restrictions and a concern for our customers’ health and safety, this class will be held virtually. If circumstances change and FELTG decides to hold this class in person in Washington, DC, FELTG will give priority transfers to individuals registered for the virtual training, who wish to attend in person. 

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

With one Executive Order, President Joseph R. Biden created a dramatic shift in the world of federal labor relations, rescinding numerous Trump Executive Orders, including those regarding official time, bargaining topics, negotiation timeframes, and union responsibilities to pay for things they never had to pay for before. Are you ready for this 180-degree change in federal labor relations?

Now, more than ever, you need FELTG’s FLRA Law Week. Led by two instructors with a combined total of nearly 40 years experience working at the FLRA, this training will bring you up to speed on where the current law stands, and share best practices on how to effectively navigate it in your day-to-day work, whether you’re a labor attorney, labor relations specialist or union representative.

FLRA Law Week provides attendees with a firm foundation of the historical perspective and precedence of FLRA decisions, as well as a strategy for taking advantage of any new approaches that are coming out of an ever-evolving FLRA. And this includes the latest guidance based on the FLRA’s recent precedent-breaking decisions have on collective bargaining.

There’s no other place where you can get in-depth guidance on hot-button issues, such as permissive bargaining, official time, and negotiations, to guide you through this dynamic time. So join us for this class October 18-22, where the entire world of Federal labor relations will be discussed.

The program runs 9:00 am – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a break from 12:00-1:00.


Instructors

Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Daily Agenda

Monday, October 18

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

Tuesday, October 19

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

Wednesday, October 20

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

Thursday, October 21

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

Friday, October 22

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


Pricing

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

Early Bird Tuition (register by October 1):

  • 5 days = $2375
  • 4 days = $1995
  • 3 days = $1575
  • 2 days = $1100
  • 1 day = $575

Standard Tuition (register October 2-22):

  • 5 days = $2475
  • 4 days = $2095
  • 3 days = $1675
  • 2 days = $1200
  • 1 day = $675

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by October 1 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after October 1 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person. No split registrations.
  • 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 October 1.
Oct
19
Tue
Vexing Vaccine Requirements: Responding to Requests for Exemptions 
Oct 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

Agencies face many challenges and unanswered questions as they attempt to bring workers back the physical workspace, especially as they pertain to vaccine requirements and attestations. In this 60-minute webinar, the second of our three-webinar Navigating the Return to the Federal Workplace series, Attorney at Law and FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson provide guidance for those challenges and answer those questions, such as:

  • Does asking the pre-vaccination screening questions create a violation of Title II of the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act?
  • Can you require employees to provide proof of vaccination, rather than simply “attest” to vaccination status?
  • What do you do if an employee refuses to share his or her vaccination status?
  • How will you determine whether an employee’s religion or medical condition requests vaccination exemptions?
  • How do you discipline an employee for lying on the certification of vaccination form?

Join us on October 26, for the final webinar in this series: Post-Pandemic Accountability: Handling Employee Performance and Misconduct in a COVID-19 World.

 

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site (payment made by October 1).
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site (payment made October 2 or later).
  • Register for all three webinars in the Navigating the Return to the Federal Workplace series by October 1 and pay only $785.

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per webinar 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 the Return to the Federal Workplace 
Oct 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

When you think about it, the federal workforce’s response to the pandemic was nothing short of remarkable. A majority of employees began working remotely for the first time in their careers. And by most accounts, it was a success.

So you’d think the eventual return back to the physical workspace would be a breeze.

Think again.

Even before the delta variant began ravaging the country, there was uncertainty on how to best return to the workplace.  Now the variant has put us back almost to square one for a safe and easy return. This makes the Biden Administration’s recent Executive Order mandating all Federal employees and onsite contractors be vaccinated even more prescient.

Between the variant, the vaccination requirement, and the sheer challenge of creating a new hybrid work environment, there is more uncertainty than ever before. FELTG’s “The Return to the Workplace” webinar series offers to provide clear-cut answers, along with the appropriate framework for you to address these unique and unprecedented challenges.

October 12: Handling Pandemic-Related Reasonable Accommodation Requests and Medical Documentation

  • How do you accommodate someone with ‘long COVID’ or post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)?
  • What do you do with the results of an employee’s COVID-19 test?
  • Where do you store the Certifications of Vaccination?
  • Must you accommodate employees who refuse to get the vaccine?
  • If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
  • Do agencies have to provide a reasonable accommodation for an employee who refuses to get the vaccine for religious reasons?

October 19: Vexing Vaccine Requirements: Responding to Requests for Exemptions 

  • Does asking the pre-vaccination screening questions create a violation of Title II of the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act?
  • Can you require employees to provide proof of vaccination, rather than simply “attest” to vaccination status?
  • What do you do if an employee refuses to share his or her vaccination status?
  • How will you determine whether an employee’s religion or medical condition requests vaccination exemptions?

October 26: Post-Pandemic Accountability: Handling Employee Performance and Misconduct in a COVID-19 World

  • How do you hold remote workers accountable for performance and conduct?
  • Is failure to comply with a COVID-19 screening test a performance or conduct issue?
  • How do you provide a performance demonstration period for an employee who is teleworking?
  • What actions can you take against employees who refuse to get vaccinated?

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made by October 1).
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per session (payment made October 2 or later).
  • Register for all three webinars by October 1 and pay only $785.

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per webinar 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.

Oct
21
Thu
Webinar – Workplace Investigations: Successfully Interviewing Witnesses With Mental and Behavioral Health Conditions
Oct 21 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Shana Palmieri

Program Description

For many, it’s the most difficult and unpredictable part of the workplace investigation — conducting the interview. This is especially the case when the witness has a behavioral or mental health issue, or violent tendencies. Shana Palmieri, LCSW, will provide you with a set of tools to handle these challenging interviews. During this 60-minute webinar, Ms. Palmieri, the co-founder and COO of Xferall, will explain temperament traits and personality disorders, and then provide a road map for interviews. She’ll share guidance on how to de-escalate emotionally charged situations.

Attendees to this webinar will also learn how to:

  • Interview witnesses with violent tendencies.
  • Handle delicate interviews.
  • Interview witnesses with past trauma.

This class focuses on the practical and clinical side of managing employees with behavioral health conditions, rather than the legal side.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $285 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 8)
  • Standard Tuition: $315 per site, per webinar (payments made October 9 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.

Oct
26
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Nondiscriminatory Hiring in the Federal Workplace: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Oct 26 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

The federal hiring process requires patience. Take the time to do it correctly. Those who hurry the hiring process are not only likely to make a mistake in hiring, but they may also end up without sufficient documentation to combat a discrimination complaint, making the allegation difficult to defend against.

With a flurry of Executive Orders early in his term, President Biden made it clear that diversity and inclusion are priorities in the federal workplace.  His most recent Executive Order 14035 on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce  charges agencies with identifying “strategies to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and eliminate, where applicable, barriers to equity, in Federal workforce functions, including: recruitment; hiring … and onboarding programs.”

FELTG instructor and attorney at law Katherine Atkinson will explain how to ensure your hiring practices are nondiscriminatory and align with merit system principles and the Administrations’ priorities. Ms. Atkinson will cover the types of interview questions that cause problems, and will discuss selection panel roles and responsibilities, including ensuring the selecting officials implement best practices to develop and maintain evidence demonstrating the non-selection was neither discriminatory nor retaliatory.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern.

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

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $340 (register by October 12)
  • Standard Tuition: $380 (register October 13 or later)
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through October 12. Contact FELTG.

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. 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 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 October 12.

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.

Post-Pandemic Accountability: Handling Employee Performance and Misconduct in a COVID-19 World
Oct 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

Agencies face many challenges and unanswered questions about performance and conduct as they attempt to bring workers back the physical workspace, while maintaining some type of hybrid work environment. In this final webinar of our three-part  Navigating the Return to the Federal Workplace series, Attorney at Law and FELTG President Deborah Hopkins provide guidance for those challenges and answer those questions, such as:

  • How do you hold remote workers accountable for performance and conduct?
  • Is failure to comply with a COVID-19 screening test a performance or conduct issue?
  • How do you provide a performance demonstration period for an employee who is teleworking?
  • What discipline is appropriate for an employee who refuses to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

 

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site (payment made by October 1).
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site (payment made October 2 or later).
  • Register for all three webinars in the  Navigating the Return to the Federal Workplace series by October 1 and pay only $785.

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per webinar 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 the Return to the Federal Workplace 
Oct 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

When you think about it, the federal workforce’s response to the pandemic was nothing short of remarkable. A majority of employees began working remotely for the first time in their careers. And by most accounts, it was a success.

So you’d think the eventual return back to the physical workspace would be a breeze.

Think again.

Even before the delta variant began ravaging the country, there was uncertainty on how to best return to the workplace.  Now the variant has put us back almost to square one for a safe and easy return. This makes the Biden Administration’s recent Executive Order mandating all Federal employees and onsite contractors be vaccinated even more prescient.

Between the variant, the vaccination requirement, and the sheer challenge of creating a new hybrid work environment, there is more uncertainty than ever before. FELTG’s “The Return to the Workplace” webinar series offers to provide clear-cut answers, along with the appropriate framework for you to address these unique and unprecedented challenges.

October 12: Handling Pandemic-Related Reasonable Accommodation Requests and Medical Documentation

  • How do you accommodate someone with ‘long COVID’ or post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)?
  • What do you do with the results of an employee’s COVID-19 test?
  • Where do you store the Certifications of Vaccination?
  • Must you accommodate employees who refuse to get the vaccine?
  • If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
  • Do agencies have to provide a reasonable accommodation for an employee who refuses to get the vaccine for religious reasons?

October 19: Vexing Vaccine Requirements: Responding to Requests for Exemptions 

  • Does asking the pre-vaccination screening questions create a violation of Title II of the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act?
  • Can you require employees to provide proof of vaccination, rather than simply “attest” to vaccination status?
  • What do you do if an employee refuses to share his or her vaccination status?
  • How will you determine whether an employee’s religion or medical condition requests vaccination exemptions?

October 26: Post-Pandemic Accountability: Handling Employee Performance and Misconduct in a COVID-19 World

  • How do you hold remote workers accountable for performance and conduct?
  • Is failure to comply with a COVID-19 screening test a performance or conduct issue?
  • How do you provide a performance demonstration period for an employee who is teleworking?
  • What actions can you take against employees who refuse to get vaccinated?

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made by October 1).
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per session (payment made October 2 or later).
  • Register for all three webinars by October 1 and pay only $785.

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per webinar 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.

Nov
2
Tue
Webinar — Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Service and Therapy Animals in the Workspace
Nov 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Ricky Rowe, Deborah Hopkins

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.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Determine the difference between a service animal and a therapy animal.
  • Recognize when an emotional support animal would be a reasonable accommodation
  • Effectively navigate the interactive process.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payment required by September 27)
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payments made September 28 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.

Nov
3
Wed
Virtual Training Event – The Exemption Proves the Rule: Reasonable Accommodation, Discipline, and the Vaccine Mandate
Nov 3 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

About the Event

Federal employees have until November 22 to get vaccinated to comply with Executive Order 14043. The Biden Administration’s mandate is direct. However, a sizable percentage of the population still refuses to get the vaccination, and misinformation continues to spread. You should expect to have more than the usual share of requests for exemptions on either religious or medical grounds. How will you handle these requests? And how do you plan to discipline an employee who refused to get vaccinated?

Attorneys Katherine Atkinson and Deborah Hopkins (FELTG President), have the answers. They have stayed on top of the ever-changing guidance and mandates over the past year, providing FELTG customers with up-to-the-minute instruction on navigating the challenging issues related to COVID-19. Join them on November 3 for The Exemption Proves the Rule: Reasonable Accommodation, Discipline, and the Vaccine Mandate and you’ll leave with the basic framework for dealing with these unique and unprecedented challenges with a focus on:

  • Reasonable accommodation for disability
  • Reasonable accommodation for religion
  • Discipline for vaccine-related misconduct

Ms. Hopkins and Ms. Atkinson will walk you through the legal analysis for addressing challenges in these areas, and answer all your questions, including:

  • What medical conditions that qualify as disabilities under the ADA could exempt an employee from the vaccination mandate?
  • What is the definition of religion under Title VII?
  • When can you question the sincerity of an employee’s espoused religious belief?
  • How do you discipline an employee for using falsified vaccine cards?

Join FELTG for this critical and timely training, from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 1 pm – 4:30 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:30 – 3:00 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins and Katherine Dave

Deborah J. Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by October 20): $355
  • Standard Tuition (register October 21 or later): $395
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through October 20. 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 October 20.

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.

Nov
4
Thu
Webinar – Who’s In, Who’s Out? Understanding Bargaining Unit Exclusions
Nov 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Program Description

5 USC 7112 of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute defines the types of positions that must be excluded from the bargaining units. But in the modern workforce, those definitions aren’t always that clear. In this 60-minute webinar, FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will walk you through how to not only identify the statutory provisions, but provide practical and specific examples of how particular positions are determined to be in or out of the bargaining unit.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify positions the FLRA has determined to be excluded from the BU
  • Recognize the specific actions that make an employee a supervisor or a management official
  • Determine when a non-management official should be excluded from the BU
  • Navigate the FLRA representation and clarification of unit process

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $285 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 25)
  • Standard Tuition: $315 per site, per webinar (payments made October 26 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.

Nov
15
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Employee Relations Week
Nov 15 – Nov 19 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

As an Employee Relations Specialist, you have a challenging job, and you never know just what personnel challenges might find a spot on your ever-increasing “to do” list.

This seminar starts by grounding the student in the laws, regulations and policies associated with job functions, and provides an explanation on how ER fits within the agency’s greater HR function. After the basics, we’ll dive in to a number of unique topics, which include (but definitely are not limited to) performance plans, standards and recognition; hours of work — including overtime and compensatory time; pay and RIFs; furloughs; handling specific disciplinary situations; leave – including types, accrual, FMLA, military leave and leave stacking; involuntary separations; dispute resolution; EAPs; medical issues and injury compensation; drug testing; plus basic EEO information – including disparate treatment, disparate impact and reasonable accommodation.

Daily sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda

Monday

Introduction to Employee Relations: Functions, key terms and concepts; intersection of Employee Relations and Labor Relations; merit system principles; hours of work; modified schedules; overtime; types of leave.

Tuesday

Leave Administration: Introduction to Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); Medical documentation; military leave; administrative leave; performance management appraisal periods; monitoring performance; grievances and appeals; 432 actions.

Wednesday

Performance Issues & Introduction to EEO: Performance Plans; Performance measures; employee recognition; Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs); introduction to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): framework and disparate impact.

Thursday

Discipline Issues: Discipline Overview; Responsibilities of HR and supervisors; adverse actions; penalties; alternative discipline; standards of proof; harmful error; specific disciplinary situations; methods of dispute resolution.

Friday

Employee Relations Potpourri: Separations, Retirement; Involuntary Actions; Medical issues: qualification and documentations; reasonable accommodation; drug testing; roles and responsibilities of HR in the process.

Pricing

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

Early Bird Tuition (register by November 1):

  • 5 days = $2375
  • 4 days = $1995
  • 3 days = $1575
  • 2 days = $1100
  • 1 day = $575

Standard Tuition (register November 2-19):

  • 5 days = $2475
  • 4 days = $2095
  • 3 days = $1675
  • 2 days = $1200
  • 1 day = $675

 

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials via USPS. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by November 1 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after November 1 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex 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?
    • This program is pre-approved for CLE credits in Virginia. 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. No split registrations.
  • 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 November 1.

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

Nov
16
Tue
Webinar — So You Think You Can Dismiss That EEO Claim
Nov 16 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Program Description

Katherine Atkinson DaveThere are several reasons why an EEO claim might be dismissed, but it’s not a decision that should be made too quickly or without much thought. A surprising number of agency dismissals are overturned by the EEOC each year. Don’t become another EEOC statistic.

FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson will review the lawful reasons for dismissing a claim — failure to state a claim, timeliness, collateral attack — and walk you through making that determination.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify claims that do not fall under the EEO process
  • Understand the components of timeliness in EEO claims
  • Draft legally-sufficient acceptance and dismissal documents

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payment required by November 8)
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payments made November 9 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.

Nov
17
Wed
Are You Ready for the Last-minute Requests for Vaccination Exemptions?
Nov 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

That Nov. 22 date is inching closer. And as the date gets closer, your backlog of requests for exemptions to the Biden Administration’s vaccination requirement is likely to continue to grow.

Reasonable accommodation can be challenging during normal times. But there remain many unanswered questions about employees seeking vaccination exemptions for or disability or religious reasons. In this 90-minute webinar, Attorney at Law and FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson provides guidance for those challenges and answers questions, such as:

  • What medical conditions that qualify as disabilities under the ADA could exempt an employee from the vaccination mandate?
  • When can you question the sincerity of an employee’s espoused religious belief?
  • What if the employee seeking a religious accommodation has a letter from his church?
  • How does the undue hardship analysis relate to allowing unvaccinated employees to work from home full-time?

Get the answers to these questions – and your questions – BEFORE you become too overwhelmed with exemption requests.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 per site (payment made by November 8).
  • Standard Tuition: $325 per site (payment made November 9 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.

Dec
7
Tue
Virtual Training Event — Successful Hiring: Effective Techniques for Interviewing and Reference Checking
Dec 7 @ 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

The federal hiring process requires patience. If you’ve finally been granted approval to fill a position, you may be tempted to get someone hired as quickly as possible. But, wait just a moment. Take the time to do it correctly.

This interactive half-day virtual training will prepare managers for conducting legal and successful job interviews. Barbara Haga will share guidance on how to make the most out of interviewing and checking references, from crafting an accurate position description, to asking the right questions, to assessing a candidate’s ability to perform the job.

Topics include:

  • Preparing defensible questions for applicants
  • Using behavior-based questions to get answers about depth of experience and knowledge
  • The requirement to interview all and ask the exact same questions of all candidates – myth or reality?
  • Interview practices that work and things to avoid
  • Reference checking – getting job-related information from current and past supervisors

Whether you’re in HR or are a supervisor who is looking to hire someone, you’ll want to be sure to make plans to join us. Register today!

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by November 22): $340
  • Standard Tuition (register November 23-December 7): $380
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for 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. 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.
  • 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.

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.

Dec
9
Thu
Virtual Training Event – Managing Employee Mental Health Challenges During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dec 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

If one of your agency’s employees had a mental health crisis in the workplace, would you know what to do? And considering most employees are still working remotely, how would you even know?

Almost 18 percent of all adults have a mental illness diagnosis at some point in their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the ongoing mental health crisis in this country. Earlier this year, 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.”

This virtual training program will provide highly practical guidance and straight-forward advice on dealing with the very unique challenges you face at this time. 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 they work with. She’ll also provide strategies for effectively supervising and managing employees with these conditions, even as they work remotely.Ms. Palmieri will answer challenging questions, such as:

  • 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. This event will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 pm 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: $295 (register by November 22).
  • Standard Tuition: $325 (register by November 23-December 9).
  • 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.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through November 22.

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.

Jan
13
Thu
Virtual Training Event – Navigating Federal Labor Relations in 2022
Jan 13 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

 

Program Description

Substantial. Dramatic. Marked. Any of these adjectives would suffice in describing the 180-degree turn in the world of federal labor relations over the past year.

President Biden’s Executive Order rescinding numerous Trump Executive Orders meant immediate about-face changes in approaches to official time, bargaining topics, negotiation timeframes, and union responsibilities to pay for things they never had to pay for before. Most agencies are still grappling to adjust, meanwhile more change could be on the way if the Democratic nominee gets appointed.

In this two-hour virtual training event held from 1:00-3:00 PM eastern, Ann Boehm and Joe Schimansky will review the previous year of federal LR under the new Administration and provide a look ahead to what you can expect in 2022. When it comes to change in federal LR, these two presenters, who have a combined total of nearly 40 years working at the FLRA, have seen their fair share.

Ms. Boehm will explore the impact of EO 14003 and the Office of Personnel Management directives issued Oct. 20, 2021 that instruct Federal agencies to highlight collective bargaining rights for Federal employees. She’ll discuss the current status of the three-member Authority and the impact of having (potentially) a permanent General Counsel, a position that has sat vacant or left for someone in an acting capacity for far too long.

Mr. Schimansky will dive into the Authority’s precedent-altering decisions over the past year-and-a-half. The former Executive Director of the Federal Service Impasses Panel will not only explain what each decision means for Federal counsel, HR professionals, Labor Relations practitioners, and union representatives, but also detail which ones are most likely to be reversed under a Democratic majority.

 

Begin 2022 on the right note. Ensure that you are prepared to navigate the continued upheaval of federal labor relations. Register now for this engaging, timely, and highly useful training.

The program will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM eastern.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 per site (payment required by January 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $325 per site (payments made January 4 or later)
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted. 
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through January 3. Contact FELTG.

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 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 attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through January 3.

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.

Jan
19
Wed
Webinar — Stop the Spread of COVID-related Retaliation in the Federal Workplace
Jan 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

EEO law protects employees from reprisal based on EEO activity, and retaliation is asserted in almost 45 percent of EEO complaints.

Think about that as you process the numerous religious and reasonable accommodation requests for exceptions to the vaccine mandate coming across your desk. Those requests are a protected EEO activity. The EEOC is concerned enough about retaliation in pandemic-related situations that it recently published guidance on the topic.

In this 75-minute webinar, FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson will walk you through the details of the EEOC guidance, discuss the various forms of EEO reprisal and why it’s the most common category in discrimination findings, and provide important guidance on what can be done to limit retaliation from happening at your agency.

This is an important  area of focus in federal employee statutory protections, especially as it involves highly-charged emotional and political issues. Whether you’re an attorney, LER specialist, EEO specialist, or supervisor, you can’t afford to miss this event.

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

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 per site (payment made by January 4).
  • Standard Tuition: $325 per site (payment made January 5 or later).

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per webinar 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.

Jan
20
Thu
Webinar – Workplace Investigations: Trauma and PTSD – Considerations for Effective Interviews
Jan 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Shana Palmieri

Program Description

For many, it’s the most difficult and unpredictable part of the workplace investigation — conducting the interview. This is especially the case when the witness has suffered trauma. And it’s likely to happen, considering these sobering statistics:

  • Seven to eight percent will have PTSD at some point in their lifetimes.
  • Eight million adults will experience PTSD in a given year. This is only a small number of the people that experience a trauma.
  • Ten percent of women will experience PTSD at some point in their lifetimes, compared with four percent of men.

Shana Palmieri, LCSW, will provide you with a set of tools to handle these challenging interviews. During this 60-minute webinar, Ms. Palmieri, the co-founder and COO of Xferall, will explain the connection between trauma and memory and its implications for the interview. Attendees will learn the considerations of a trauma-influenced interview.

This class focuses on the practical and clinical side of managing employees who have experienced trauma, rather than the legal side.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payment required by January 4)
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payments made January 5 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.

Jan
24
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Calling All Counselors: Initial 32-Hour Plus EEO Refresher Training
Jan 24 – Jan 27 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

The world of Federal EEO is constantly changing. With the expected deluge of complaints related to vaccine exemption denials, it’s also expected to get much more challenging in the next few months. Agencies will be onboarding new EEO counselors, and need to make sure they’re prepared for the unique challenges 2022 is sure to bring. FELTG has the solution — the most engaging, up-to-date, and comprehensive 32-hour EEO Counselor initial training available.

Over the course of four 8-hour days, FELTG’s experienced instructors will steer you through a carefully and meticulously crafted agenda that explains EEO law in easy-to-understand terms and helps you develop the skills necessary to be an effective EEO professional, and provides the mandatory 32-hour initial training for new counselors as required by EEOC.

Topics include an overview of the EEO process, the counselor’s responsibilities, the applicable statutes, theories of discrimination, remedies and more. Plus, we’ll focus on emerging issues related to COVID-19 and vaccine exemption requests, provide updated on LGBTQ+ discrimination, and take attendees through a thorough discussion of reasonable accommodation.

And there’s more.

Are you a veteran counselor looking for your 8-hour refresher? Attend one of the final three days of training to earn your refresher hours. Plus, if you work in another realm of EEO, you’re welcome to join us for the very latest guidance on all these timely topics.

This is an interactive class. You will not be asked to share your screen, but there will be many opportunities to participate, and you should be prepared to share and discuss.

You can’t afford to trust this required initial training to whatever is available at the last minute. Register by January 11 for the Early Bird rate.

Daily Agenda

Monday, January 24

EEO Counselor Training, Part I — Introduction and Role of the Counselor: Introduction to Counseling; the EEO process; timelines; requirements; why counseling first; EEO counselor approach; purpose of the EEO counselor; what makes a good EEO counselor; an intro to alternative dispute resolution; ADR in EEO counseling; the counselor’s role when ADR is elected.

Tuesday, January 25

EEO Counselor Training, Part II — Theories of Discrimination: EEOC jurisdiction; discrimination base on race, color, national origin, reprisal, and disability; intentional discrimination; hostile work environment; sexual harassment; LGBTQ status; MD-110; COVID-19 related EEO topics; vaccine mandates.

 8 per day

Wednesday, January 26

EEO Counselor Training, Part III — Interview Skills: Introduction to interview skills; interviewing the counselee; interviewing the RMO; meeting with counselee after RMO; interviewing difficult personality types; what happens if a contractor wants to file an EEO complaint.

 8 per day

Thursday, January 27

EEO Counselor Training, Part IV — Avoiding Mistakes; Writing the Report: Mistakes to avoid in the counseling process; organizing the report; issue spotting; knowing your audience; writing the narrative; writing styles; plain language writing.

 8 per day

Join FELTG for this training, from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 9 am – 5 pm eastern each day.

 

Instructors

Robert Woods, Ricky Rowe, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm

 

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by January 11):                                                                                                                                              One Day = $575  |  Two Days = $1100  |  Three Days = $1575 | Four Days = $1995
  • Standard Tuition (register January 12-24):                                                                                                                                              One Day = $675  |  Two Days = $1200  |  Three Days = $1675 | Four Days = $2095
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through January 11. Contact FELTG.
  • REGISTER NOW.

 

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 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 attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through January 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.

Feb
3
Thu
Webinar – Deconstructing FMLA: Entitlement, Notice, and Medical Certification
Feb 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

Navigating the FMLA is one of the most complex challenges a federal agency can face and the addition of Paid Parental Leave (PPL) has further complicated matters. Let Federal leave expert Barbara Haga  break it all down for you. During this 90-minute webinar, Ms. Haga will explain entitlements, notice requirements, medical certifications and how to hold employees accountable for conduct and performance matters when FMLA leave is involved.

Attendees will work through scenarios to learn how and when to grant FMLA. And there will be several opportunities to ask questions.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Manage substitution of paid leave (including PPL) in place of unpaid FMLA leave.
  • Decide what to do when medical documentation is insufficient.
  • Identify covered serious health conditions.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 per site (payment required by January 21)
  • Standard Tuition: $325 per site (payments made January 22 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.

Feb
8
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Managing COVID-related EEO Challenges in the Federal Workplace
Feb 8 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

President Biden’s Executive Order requires all Federal employees to be vaccinated with no option for regular coronavirus testing to opt out of the mandate. What does this mean for employees who refuse to get vaccinated? Are there any religious exemptions that would allow employees to continue to work without vaccination? What about employees who cannot get vaccinated due to a disability – can agencies accommodate them?

Attorney Katherine Atkinson will not only share with you the latest guidance from the president’s EO, the EEOC and the CDC, but she will also 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.

Beyond the vaccination mandate, Ms. Atkinson will also help you answer the following questions and more:

  • Is an employee with asymptomatic COVID-19 an individual with a disability under the ADA and Rehabilitation Act?
  • Do more employees have potential retaliation claims now, even though the vaccine mandate is enjoined?
  • What should your agency do with pending vaccine exemption requests?

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

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to determine:

  • Whether an unvaccinated employee creates an undue hardship to an agency’s operations in the religious accommodation context
  • How the undue hardship determination is different for an employee who requested accommodation due to a disability
  • How to spot pandemic-related retaliation that constitutes a legal violation

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

 

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by January 24): $355
  • Standard Tuition (register January 25 or later): $395
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through January 24. Contact FELTG.

 

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 earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through January 24. 

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.

Feb
9
Wed
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct
Feb 9 – Feb 10 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also covers the very latest with Executive Order 14003, plus updated OPM regulations on performance and conduct and the very latest on the vaccine mandates.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Registrants for both days will also receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Federal Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th Ed., by William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins.

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Who Should Attend

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

Agenda

Wednesday, February 9

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; the five elements of discipline; off-duty misconduct; penalty defense and due process.

Thursday, February 10

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Discipline procedures and appeals; disciplinary documents; defining unacceptable performance; dealing with poor performers; performance-based removal procedures.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $390 per session, $720 for both sessions (register by January 25).
  • Standard Tuition: $420 per session, $750 for both sessions (register January 26-February 10).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom for its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • 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?
    • 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 January 25.
  • 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.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by January 25 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after January 25 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Feb
17
Thu
Webinar – Vaccine Mandate on Hold: What Now for Accommodation, Discipline, and Hiring?
Feb 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Program Description

As 2021 came to a close, agency leaders and supervisors worked diligently processing requests for exemptions to the vaccine mandate, and disciplining those who refused or failed to be vaccinated. Then on January 21, a Federal judge in Texas issue a nationwide injunction that brought everything to a screeching halt. But questions remain:

  • Must you overturn discipline you’ve already taken against unvaccinated employees?
  • Do employees who complied with the vaccine mandate in order to maintain their jobs have a route of grievance or appeal?
  • Do you still process reasonable accommodation requests for exemptions?
  • Can you still ask applicants for proof of vaccination status?
  • Can you still enforce other safety protocols, such as masking?
  • What happens if a higher court reinstates the mandate?
  • How do you handle hostile workplace discrimination based on vaccination status?
  • What does this mean for agencies that have established, or want to establish, their own vaccine requirements?

During this 60-minute webinar, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will provide answers to these and other questions — and she will take your questions as you try to navigate these uncertain issues, while at the same time your agency is making preparations to return employees to the physical workspace.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $285 per site (payment required by February 7)
  • Standard Tuition: $315 per site (payments made February 8 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.

Feb
24
Thu
Winning EEO Cases Through Summary Judgment
Feb 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Program Description

Unlike the MSPB, the EEOC allows parties to file motions for summary judgment, potentially eliminating the need for a time-consuming, expensive, and risky hearing. Yet, many agencies fail to take advantage of this opportunity. During this 60-minute webinar, FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson will explain the the importance of the Report of Investigation and thorough discovery, the benefits of motions for for summary judgment (MSJs), and what to include in the MSJ to best represent your client and case.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify when to file a motion for summary judgment
  • Organize for the motion
  • Draft an effective motion that withstands third-party scrutiny

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payment required by February 11)
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payments made February 12 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.

Feb
28
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Workplace Investigations Week
Feb 28 – Mar 4 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

This week focuses on conducting administrative investigations in the Federal workplace with an emphasis on employee misconduct including workplace harassment. After an overview of the substantive law, including EEO and non-EEO harassment, participants will learn procedures and best practices for conducting investigations in the Federal workplace, including planning the investigation, fact finding, collecting evidence, dealing with witnesses, understanding types of questioning, and testifying at hearing. The week concludes with a day focused on writing an investigative report. The program will include breakout discussions and interactive Q & A with the instructors.

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Shana Palmieri, Katherine Atkinson

Daily Agenda

Monday

Administrative Investigations: The Substantive Basis: Why investigate; discipline law and elements; understanding charges of misconduct; collecting penalty evidence; law behind other types of administrative investigations.

Tuesday

Harassment Investigations: Investigating allegations of harassment; differentiating between EEO and non-EEO harassment; the latest on LGBTQ+ harassment; witness rights.

Wednesday

Conducting the Investigation, Part I: Evidentiary principles; purpose of investigation; preparing for the investigation; role of the investigator; beginning the interview; union representation; how to successfully interview witnesses with behavioral or mental health issues or violent tendencies; de-escalating an emotionally-charged interview; handling delicate interviews; interviewing witnesses who have experienced trauma.

Thursday

Conducting the Investigation, Part II: Conducting the interview: handling hostile witnesses; assessing credibility/lies/hearing what isn’t said; body language; gathering other evidence; technology and investigations; high profile case considerations; testifying at an administrative hearing; rules for being an effective witness.

Friday

Writing the Investigative Report: Organizing for the report; establishing the chronology; writing for your audience; report writing style; report writing conventions; report organization; sample report.

Pricing

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

Early Bird Tuition (register by February 11):

  • 5 days = $2375
  • 4 days = $1995
  • 3 days = $1575
  • 2 days = $1100
  • 1 day = $575

Standard Tuition (register February 12-March 4):

  • 5 days = $2475
  • 4 days = $2095
  • 3 days = $1675
  • 2 days = $1200
  • 1 day = $675

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials via USPS. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by February 11 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after February 11 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses 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 earn CLE credits for this class?
    • This program is pre-approved for CLE credits in Virginia. 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. No split registrations.
  • 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 February 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.

Mar
3
Thu
Webinar – High Times and Misdemeanors: Weed and the Workplace
Mar 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Program Description

Recreational marijuana is legal in over a dozen states and the District of Columbia, and its use for medical purposes is now legal in 30-plus states. What does that mean for Federal workers in those locations? Could their careers still go up in smoke for a “legal” activity? Are you required to accommodate an employee’s medically certified marijuana usage? What should you do if the Federal employee is married to someone who legally grows marijuana? Should you overlook an employee’s suspected marijuana usage because it makes him more pleasant to work with?

FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will review the laws that apply to Federal employees and share the most effective approach to managing and/or disciplining employees when their drug usage seeps into the workplace.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Craft the right charge when disciplining an employee for marijuana usage.
  • Determine when it’s appropriate to require an employee to take a drug test.
  • Handle an employee who has lied about previous marijuana usage.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site (payment required by February 16)
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site (payments made February 17 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.

Mar
8
Tue
Webinar Series – The Federal Supervisor’s Workshop: Building the Best Toolkit for Managing Today’s Workforce
Mar 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Marcus Hill, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods, Joseph Schimansky

Course Description

Federal supervisors and advisers: Your time is valuable as ever, yet your challenges are changing — and growing.

FELTG’s annual supervisory training event returns in 2022 with a new look and focus. We’re still offering comprehensive training that expands upon legal principles to provide you with the necessary tools and best practices to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently. But this time, we take a laser focus on sessions that specifically address the unique challenges faced by supervisors in agencies across the country, and around the world.

These monthly 60-minute webinars provide you with the legal foundation for managing distinct situations regarding performance and conduct accountability, reasonable accommodation, sick leave, harassment, and labor relations (for those of you who supervise bargaining unit employees). But the guidance provided will help you build the necessary framework to tackle other equally specific and challenging situations.

These sessions are held live and provide an opportunity to ask questions — and get answers — from FELTG’s experienced instructors.

2022 dates:

March 8: Understanding Performance vs. Misconduct: Is it a performance issue or a conduct issue? Knowing how to answer this question will allow you to take the appropriate action. This webinar will teach the distinction between performance and conduct; provide an overview on holding employees accountable; discuss the “can’t vs. won’t” conundrum; and set the stage for defensible discipline and performance actions.

April 12: Insubordinate Employee? Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements: Ever have an employee who refused to follow your orders? What if the employee failed to follow the order, but you’re not sure if it was intentional? The first step to dealing with the issue is to understand the word “insubordinate” and its legal implications. Learn the factors that will help you determine the most effective way to take action against employees who disobey lawful orders.

May 10: The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance: 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. You don’t have to feel helpless. Learn the most effective way to manage wide swings in performance.

June 14: Reasonable Accommodation: The Interactive Process: An important step after an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for a disability and provides supporting medical documentation is to engage in the “interactive process” with the employee. This training will explain what that process entails, how supervisors should work with disability program managers and reasonable accommodation coordinators, and answer key questions, such as: How do you define undue hardship? How do you determine essential functions? Do I have to give an employee telework as an accommodation? And much more.

July 12: Effectively Handling Sick Leave Use and Abuse: Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees call in sick is a perennial challenge for Federal supervisors. Even more complicated is administering sick leave, considering the multiple uses and numerous family members covered. Learn the six authorized uses of sick leave, who is a family member for sick leave purposes, the potential signs of sick leave abuse and how to counsel the employee; and the actions you can take for sick leave abuse, providing false medical information, or excessive absences.

August 9: The New Hostile Work Environment:  As the pandemic raged and employees remained home, many thought that reprehensible harassing incidents would wane, yet the targets of hostile work environment merely expanded and changed. More harassment was aimed at Asian American and Pacific Islanders and LGBTQ employees, and harassment took more virtual forms including email and social media. Learn what hostile work environment entails, what you can do to prevent it, and how to take prompt and effective action when harassment is alleged.

August 23: Do I Need to Invite the Union to this Meeting? You know that there are certain types of meetings that require you to invite the union. But meetings happen every day, so does that mean the union has a right to be at every one? Which ones need to include the union? Learn what makes a meeting a formal discussion, the union’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to meeting, and what the union rep can and cannot do during the formal discussion.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $270 per site, per session (payment required by February 28).
  • Special series discounts available through February 28: $1,525 for the first 6 webinars or $1,795 for all 7. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $295 per site, per session (payments made March 1 or later).

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

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