Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Apr
13
Thu
Webinar Series – Absence Due to Illness: Understanding Sick Leave, Part 1
Apr 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

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

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

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

Join instructor Barbara Haga for any or all of the sessions as she guides you through these thorny issues.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave (4/13)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave II  (4/27)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – FMLA (6/1)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

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

Price

$270 per webinar per site. Register for all three by 4/8 for only $780.

Add a teleworker for only $25 in addition to a main site registration. Contingent on available space.

Apr
27
Thu
Webinar Series – Absence Due to Illness: Understanding Sick Leave, Part 2
Apr 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

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

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

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

Join instructor Barbara Haga for any or all of the sessions as she guides you through these thorny issues.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave (4/13)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave II  (4/27)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – FMLA (6/1)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

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

Price

$270 per webinar per site. Register for all three by 4/8 for only $780.

Add a teleworker for only $25 in addition to a main site registration. Contingent on available space.

May
8
Mon
Managing Federal Employee Accountability – Denver @ Sheraton Denver West
May 8 – May 12 all-day

Download Registration Form

Attention, all federal supervisors (and those who advise them): this is a program you can’t afford to miss. This week covers a range of topics including employee performance and conduct, FMLA and other leave scenarios, EEO and disability discrimination, workplace management and leadership skills, and supervising unionized employees.

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

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

Instructors

William Wiley, Deborah Hopkins

Daily Agenda:

Monday

Uncivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct: Fundamentals of disciplinary actions and unacceptable performance actions; establishing rules of conduct; proving misconduct; selecting a defensible penalty; providing due process via agency discipline procedures; writing valid performance standards; implement a Performance Improvement Plan; removal for unacceptable performance in 31 days.

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

Essential Management Skills for Federal Supervisors: Communicating effectively with employees; managing a multigenerational workforce; handling difficult employees; managing a mobile workforce; mentorship; identifying your leadership skills; bullying v. harassment; “robust debate” and union employees.

Thursday

Managing Employee Leave Abuse: Types of leave and leave entitlements; overviews of Family and Medical Leave Act; Office of Workers Compensation Program absences; leave as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act; leave as religious accommodation; leave abuse; alternative, modified and compressed work schedules; managing telework; the magic of Medical Inability to Perform removals.

Friday

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

Pricing

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

  • 5 days = $2075
  • 4 days = $1705
  • 3 days = $1315
  • 2 days = $935
  • 1 day = $515

Registered participants will receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant, fourth edition.

May
11
Thu
Webinar – Dealing with Behavioral Health Issues in the Federal Workplace
May 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Shana Palmieri

Course Description

While you might be familiar with the legal requirements for reasonable accommodation of individuals with mental disabilities, do you know the necessary steps to take when an employee with a behavioral health issue has an episode in the workplace? What should supervisors, HR professionals or medical professionals do if an employee shows up to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs? What if the employee threatens violence, or suicide?

Crisis management in the federal workplace is a critical area to understand – it is truly life and death. Join FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins and Shana Palmieri, Director of Community Services and Behavioral Health at the Kalihi-Palama Health Center, on May 11 for the 90-minute webinar Dealing with Behavioral Health Issues in the Federal Workplace.

The session will begin with an overview of the need-to-knows about accommodating individuals with mental disabilities and other behavioral health issues. From there the conversation will shift to:

  • Types of mental disabilities and how they may exhibit in the workplace
  • How to react during a crisis situation
  • Handling threats of violence in the workplace
  • Dealing with suicidal employees
  • Dos and don’ts when working with people who have behavioral health issues

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

Price

$270 per site

May
25
Thu
Webinar – Depositions and Hearings: What to Know if You’re a Witness in a Complaint or Appeal
May 25 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

At some point, it happens to the best of us: you receive notice that you’re named as a potential witness or a responding management official in an MSPB Appeal or EEO Complaint. Or maybe you’re a federal employee who has filed an appeal or complaint yourself, and you want to know what you should expect during the process.

Join FELTG on May 25 for a special 90-minute event that answers all the questions you might have about being a witness in a federal employment law case. This live webinar will be presented by attorney at law Katherine Atkinson, a partner at Wilkenfeld, Herendeen & Atkinson in Washington, DC, who heads up the firm’s federal sector litigation team.

After an explanation on how the MSPB and EEOC forums work, she’ll discuss:

  • A timeline of what to expect after you’re named in a complaint or appeal
  • The difference between providing deposition testimony and testimony at hearing
  • Types of interview questions – and the best way to answer them
  • FAQs about the hearing process
  • Tips on being an effective witness

This is a session that agency employees and supervisors of all levels shouldn’t miss. Registration is open now.

Price

$270 per site

Add a teleworker to a main site registration for only $25. Contingent on available space.

Jun
1
Thu
Webinar Series – Absence Due to Illness: Understanding the Family & Medical Leave Act
Jun 1 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

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

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

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

Join instructor Barbara Haga for any or all of the sessions as she guides you through these thorny issues.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave (4/13)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave II  (4/27)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – FMLA (6/1)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

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

Price

$270 per webinar per site. Register for all three by 4/8 for only $780.

Add a teleworker for only $25 in addition to a main site registration. Contingent on available space.

Jun
22
Thu
Webinar – Telework and Leave as Reasonable Accommodation
Jun 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

The law requires federal agencies to engage in the interactive process when assessing reasonable accommodations for employees who have disabilities. In 2017, telework, leave and modified work schedules are among the most commonly requested – and most effective – accommodations for individuals who have physical and mental disabilities. But telework is often requested in cases where the “convenience” of working from home is called in to question. What should you do in those situations?

Join FELTG Executive Director and Attorney at Law Deborah Hopkins for a discussion on this timely topic during the 90-minute webinar Telework and Leave as Reasonable Accommodation. Ms Hopkins will start with a quick review of the law, and will detail the required three-step process for agencies to be compliant when dealing with reasonable accommodation requests.

From there, she’ll discuss:

  • What to do if telework would be an effective accommodation – but something else would work too
  • Why accommodations are always the agency’s choice
  • Alternative approaches to providing telework, leave and modified work schedules as accommodation
  • The undue hardship analysis
  • What the EEOC says about accommodating an employee’s commute

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

Price

$270 per site

Oct
12
Thu
Webinar – Not Your Average Leave Category: Special Leave Scenarios You Need to Understand
Oct 12 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

Not every leave request falls into a major category such as annual leave, sick leave or FMLA. What happens when someone wants to use leave for jury duty, or to attend the funeral of a friend? What about the new leave categories like investigative and notice leave, introduced in last year’s Administrative Leave Act?

Join FELTG instructor Barbara Haga as she discusses the various types of paid leave and excused time off that are often looked at as secondary to annual and sick leave and FMLA, but which can be problematic if not administered correctly.

This session will tackle discussions on several less-common types of leave – Leave Without Pay, Leave Transfer, Disabled Veteran Leave, and Court and Military Leave.  Additionally, Ms Haga will cover excused absences and administrative leave and will detail the new requirements imposed by the Administrative Leave Act of 2016. You won’t want to miss this important information!

Price

$270 per webinar per site.

Add a teleworker for only $25 in addition to a main site registration. Contingent on available space.

Oct
26
Thu
Webinar – 50 Shades of Reprisal: The Differences between Whistleblower, EEO, Union & Veteran Reprisal
Oct 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

William Wiley, Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

Reprisal is a term that gets used a lot, but did you know that it has different definitions in different cases? If you join FELTG President William Wiley and FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins during this 90-minute webinar to find out exactly where the differences lie, you just might save your agency from losing a reprisal case.

During this interactive discussion, the instructors will explain the legal background on the various forms of reprisal and why it’s such an important area of focus in federal employee statutory protection. From there, they’ll talk about:

  • Whistleblower reprisal: the standards, burden of proof, and actions that constitute reprisal
  • The many forms of EEO reprisal and why it’s the most common category in discrimination findings
  • Reprisal for union activity, including what type of activity falls outside the bounds of coverage
  • What is legal and not legal when considering someone’s veteran status in making employment-related decisions
  • The distinction between reprisal and retaliation

This is an event you won’t want to miss, whether you’re an attorney, LER specialist, EEO specialist, union official or supervisor. We hope you’ll join us.

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, on a space-available basis.

Nov
9
Thu
Webinar – Significant Federal Sector Updates: Recent Cases and Developments from the EEOC, FLRA and MSPB
Nov 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

William Wiley, Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

It’s that time again!

Twice a year we update you with what’s new from the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA. Join FELTG attorneys William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins as they combine forces for a fast-paced discussion on the most surprising, significant and groundbreaking recent decisions and trends from the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA. If you’ve attended a past edition, you know this is not your standard [“boring”] case law update, but an editorial discussion that not only informs you about current cases, but explains how they impact your daily work whether you’re a lawyer, or an HR, ER, LR or EEO practitioner.

Bill and Deb will share where we’ve been and where we’re headed with the trends and regulations that influence your workplace and the way issues are litigated in your agency or union. Plus, ask your questions and get answers in real time.

We’d love to tell you now about the cases and regulations that will be discussed, but that’s entirely up to the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA. Stay tuned!

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, on a space-available basis.

Nov
16
Thu
Webinar – Federal Employees and the #MeToo Movement: Correcting Sexual Harassment in the Federal Government
Nov 16 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

Over the past few weeks, countless people have come forward to share that they have been the victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. In fact, in just three weeks the #MeToo hashtag has been used over six million times to signify support for to survivors of sexual assault, exploitation, and harassment – and to take a stand that this is not acceptable behavior.

As part of the #MeToo movement, we’ve also seen a number of stories about sexual harassment, assault, and abuse of federal employees. It’s topic a we can’t, and shouldn’t, ignore, so FELTG presents a special discussion on November 16 to explain – in clear terms – the law on sexual harassment in federal agencies. In addition, we’ll cover the following topics:

  • Why many victims don’t come forward, until one person does
  • Hostile Work Environment and Tangible Employment Action claims
  • Time limits for filing sexual harassment claims
  • Discipline for coworkers and supervisors who engage in sexual harassment
  • Agency defenses and liability in sexual harassment claims
  • Corrective action – what will stop harassment from continuing?

This is an event you won’t want to miss, whether you’re an attorney, LER specialist, EEO specialist, union official, supervisor, or federal employee. We hope you’ll join us.

Price

$225 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, on a space-available basis.

Dec
7
Thu
Webinar – Understanding Liability in Federal Sector Employment Law Cases
Dec 7 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

Under the Theory of Agency, when a federal employee suffers some type of harm at work, the agency is generally liable for the harm because the employee was at work when the tort occurred (you may be more familiar with the term “respondeat superior”).

What happens when the harm is not some type of workplace accident or third-party incident, but is committed by a supervisor or employee of the agency? In our world, under the Theory of Agency, a federal supervisor or employee who commits a harm during the course of conducting the government’s business is sheltered from personal lawsuit by the victim of the harm. But can the employee who commits the harm ever be sued personally? Is this different in MSPB and EEO cases?

Join FELTG for a 90-minute discussion on personal liability to get that answer and more. During this session we will discuss:

  • The three areas of liability: torts, crimes, and administrative sanctions
  • Actions committed inside vs. outside the scope of employment
  • Whether federal supervisors need liability insurance
  • Considerations and strategies for when the Office of Special Counsel gets involved
  • Damages and remedies available to prevailing parties in EEOC cases

You’ll also get to ask questions – and get immediate answers – during this live event, so register your site today.

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, on a space-available basis.

Jan
23
Tue
Webinar – Discipline Alternatives: Thinking Outside the Adverse Action
Jan 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

William Wiley

Course Description

Every federal advisor and supervisor has to deal with discipline on some level – but have you ever considered using discipline alternatives in cases of employee misconduct?

Discipline alternatives are options that carry the weight of progressive discipline but look a little different than the reprimands, suspensions, demotions and removals you’re accustomed to seeing in the federal government. Join FELTG president Bill Wiley as he shares his experiences using these lesser-known tools in misconduct cases.

After explaining the the legal requirements that form the foundation of disciplinary actions, he will cover alternatives to adverse actions, including:

  • Reprimands in lieu of suspensions
  • Last chance agreements
  • Leave bank donations, community service and other alternatives
  • Legally talking an employee into quitting
  • Avoiding a grievance, EEO complaint or MSPB appeal

You won’t want to miss this session, so register your site today.

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, on a space-available basis.

Apr
5
Thu
Webinar – Significant Federal Sector Updates: Recent Cases and Developments from the EEOC, FLRA and MSPB
Apr 5 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

William Wiley, Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1

It’s that time again!

Twice a year we update you with what’s new from the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA. Join FELTG attorneys William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins as they combine forces for a fast-paced discussion on the most surprising, significant and groundbreaking recent decisions and trends from the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA. If you’ve attended a past edition, you know this is not your standard [“boring”] case law update, but an editorial discussion that not only informs you about current cases, but explains how they impact your daily work whether you’re a lawyer, or an HR, ER, LR or EEO practitioner.

Bill and Deb will share where we’ve been and where we’re headed with the trends and regulations that influence your workplace and the way issues are litigated in your agency or union. Plus, ask your questions and get answers in real time.

We’d love to tell you now about the cases and regulations that will be discussed, but that’s entirely up to the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA. Stay tuned!

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, on a space-available basis.

Apr
19
Thu
Webinar – Sexual Harassment as Misconduct: Defending Your Agency while Protecting Your Employees
Apr 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1.5

You’ve probably noticed that the #MeToo movement is as strong as ever. There are all kinds of comments, from all kinds of people, about the need for training on this important topic, but there hasn’t been much action.

At FELTG, we’re doing something about it by addressing the issue of sexual harassment in the federal government as MISCONDUCT, not just as an EEO issue.

Join us for the webinar Sexual Harassment as Misconduct: Defending Your Agency while Protecting Your Employees. In this program, we’ll discuss the foundational law and how sexual harassment cases come to be, but our emphasis will be on STOPPING it from happening by addressing the misconduct before it becomes a problem. Case examples will show you the best ways to handle inappropriate sexual conduct from employees and supervisors – and things to avoid. We hope you’ll be able to attend this important discussion.

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, if space is available.

Jun
4
Mon
MSPB Law Week – Denver @ Sheraton Denver West
Jun 4 – Jun 8 all-day

Download Registration Form

MSPB Law Week covers the basics of disciplinary charges and penalties, plus understanding the law and strategy in handling performance cases. Special emphasis on leave abuse and medical issues. Join top MSPB practitioners and topic authors, and learn the law, strategies, and techniques from their many years of combined experience.

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

Become a certified MSPB practitioner: MSPB Law Week participants are eligible for the FELTG Certified Practitioner Program.

Instructors

William Wiley, Deborah Hopkins

Daily Agenda

Monday

Adverse Actions: Statutory basis including the Civil Service Reform Act; the new Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act; he five elements of every disciplinary case and the burdens of proof, the fundamentals of penalty selection and defense, obtaining testimony to protect the penalty selection should one or more charges fail, types of evidence necessary to support a penalty selection, the MSPB’s power to mitigate a penalty and recent trends in the Board’s use of that authority, educating uninformed arbitrators, using alternatives to discipline.

Tuesday

Charges: Types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, the role of the proposing and deciding officials, capitalizing on the general charge, allowing the inclusion of lesser-included offenses, charging in the alternative, attractive options to difficult charges and common charging mistakes, proving the difficult “intent” charge element, a step by step approach to charge drafting.

Wednesday

Penalties: MSPB and Federal Circuit lead cases in penalty determination, getting “intent” penalties off of “non-intent” charges, proving harsh penalties off of vanilla charges, charging down and proving up, how the maximum penalty is established, an update of recent Board and court decisions: what’s really new and what’s old wine in new bottles, placing the emphasis on notice, the Obama-Board and big penalty mitigation changes.

Thursday

Unacceptable Performance: Performance actions in perspective, drafting a defensible performance standard, implementing PIP’s, defeating the PIP rollercoaster, accommodating disability-related poor performance, converting an unacceptable performance problem into a Part 752 disciplinary action, termination based on failing a performance quiz.

Friday

Defending Against Affirmative Defenses: Claims of harmful error; whistleblower reprisal; reprisal for union activity; excessive penalty findings. Special Discussion: Recent Procedural Errors.

Pricing

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

  • 5 days = $2130
  • 4 days = $1750
  • 3 days = $1350
  • 2 days = $960
  • 1 day = $530

Lodging

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

Jul
19
Thu
Webinar – Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities: The Law, the Challenges, and Solutions for Agencies
Jul 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1.5

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

Join FELTG Executive Director and Attorney at Law Deborah Hopkins for Part 1 of the four-part Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace Series. Ms Hopkins will begin by explaining the current state of disability law and how the ADA, ADAAA, and Rehabilitation Act apply to federal employees with disabilities. From there, she’ll discuss:

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

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

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, if space is available.

Jul
23
Mon
Managing Federal Employee Accountability – Anchorage
Jul 23 – Jul 27 all-day

Download Registration Form

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

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

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

Instructors

William Wiley, Deborah Hopkins

Daily Agenda:

Monday

Uncivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct: Fundamentals of disciplinary actions and unacceptable performance actions; establishing rules of conduct; proving misconduct; selecting a defensible penalty; providing due process via agency discipline procedures; writing valid performance standards; implement a Performance Improvement Plan; removal for unacceptable performance in 31 days.

Tuesday

Managing Employee Leave Abuse: Types of leave and leave entitlements; overviews of Family and Medical Leave Act; Office of Workers Compensation Program absences; LWOP; AWOL; leave restriction; handling leave abuse; the magic of Medical Inability to Perform removals.

Wednesday

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

Thursday

The Supervisor’s Role in EEO: The role of EEO in the federal government; defining protected categories: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability and reprisal; theories of discrimination; defending against EEO complaints; Reasonable Accommodation; what to do if you’re a Responding Management Official in a complaint; EEO witness tips.

Friday

Management and Communication Skills for Federal Supervisors: Communicating effectively with employees; managing a multigenerational workforce; handling difficult employees; managing a mobile workforce; mentorship; identifying your leadership skills; bullying v. harassment.

Pricing

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

  • 5 days = $2130
  • 4 days = $1750
  • 3 days = $1350
  • 2 days = $960
  • 1 day = $530

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

Jul
26
Thu
Webinar – Reasonable Accommodation: A Focus on Qualified Individuals, Essential Functions, and Undue Hardship
Jul 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Course Description

 1.5

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

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

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

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

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, if space is available.

Aug
2
Thu
Webinar – Telework and Flexible Work Schedules as Reasonable Accommodation
Aug 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1.5

The law requires federal agencies to engage in the interactive process when assessing reasonable accommodations for employees who have disabilities. In 2018, telework and modified work schedules are among the most commonly requested – and most effective – accommodations for individuals who have physical and mental disabilities. But telework is often requested in cases where the “convenience” of working from home is called in to question. What should you do in those situations?

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

From there, she’ll discuss:

  • What to do if telework would be an effective accommodation – but something else would work too
  • Why accommodations are always the agency’s choice
  • Alternative approaches to providing telework, leave and modified work schedules as accommodation
  • The undue hardship analysis
  • What the EEOC says about accommodating an employee’s commute

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

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, if space is available.

Aug
9
Thu
Webinar – Understanding Religious Accommodation: How it’s Different from Disability Accommodation
Aug 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Meghan Droste

Course Description

 1.5

Almost everyone knows that individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation – but did you know that federal employees are also entitled to reasonable accommodation for religious beliefs and practices? Not everyone realizes this; in 2017 a company in West Virginia was ordered to pay out damages of nearly $600,000 for not taking an employee’s religious accommodation request seriously.

The law requiring religious accommodation is different than the law for disability accommodation, and it’s important you know the distinctions. Join FELTG for the final session in the Four-Part Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace webinar series, where Attorney at Law Meghan Droste helps in your goal of Understanding Religious Accommodation: How it’s Different from Disability Accommodation.

After a review of the relevant law and regulations law that pertain to religious accommodation, Ms Droste will discuss:

  • What religions qualify for accommodation
  • The definition of “undue hardship” and case examples
  • The most common accommodations for religion
  • Issues related to dress code and grooming
  • What to do when employees request to be excused from performing certain job tasks because of religious reasons

Whether you’re an attorney, EEO program specialist, HR specialist or manager, you’ll want to be sure to join us for this important session.

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, if space is available.

Nov
8
Thu
Webinar – Significant Federal Sector Updates: Recent Cases and Developments from the EEOC, FLRA and MSPB
Nov 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

William Wiley, Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1

It’s that time of year again! And boy, do we have some new material, with the new executive orders on accountability and labor relations, plus several much-anticipated FLRA decisions bringing clarity to questions we’ve had for years.

Twice a year we update you with what’s new from the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA, and this one looks to be better than ever.

Join FELTG attorneys William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins as they combine forces for a fast-paced discussion on the most surprising, significant and groundbreaking recent decisions and trends from the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA. If you’ve attended a past edition, you know this is not your standard [“boring”] case law update, but an editorial discussion that not only informs you about current cases, but explains how they impact your daily work whether you’re a lawyer, or an HR, ER, LR or EEO practitioner.

Bill and Deb will share where we’ve been and where we’re headed with the trends and regulations that influence your workplace and the way issues are litigated in your agency or union. Plus, ask your questions and get answers in real time.

We’d love to tell you now about the cases and regulations that will be discussed, but that’s entirely up to the MSPB, EEOC and FLRA. Stay tuned!

Price

$270 per site

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $25 each, on a space-available basis.

Jan
23
Wed
Webinar Series – Too Sick to Work: Absence Due to Illness
Jan 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

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

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

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

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

Join instructor Barbara Haga for any or all of the sessions as she guides you through these thorny issues.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave, Part I (1/23)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave, Part II  (2/6)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – Understanding FMLA (2/20)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

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

Price

$275 per webinar per site. Register for all three by 1/17 for only $795.

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

Feb
6
Wed
Webinar Series – Too Sick to Work: Absence Due to Illness
Feb 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

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

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

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

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

Join instructor Barbara Haga for any or all of the sessions as she guides you through these thorny issues.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave, Part I (1/23)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave, Part II  (2/6)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – Understanding FMLA (2/20)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

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

Price

$275 per webinar per site. Register for all three by 1/17 for only $795.

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

Feb
20
Wed
Webinar Series – Too Sick to Work: Absence Due to Illness
Feb 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

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

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

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

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

Join instructor Barbara Haga for any or all of the sessions as she guides you through these thorny issues.

  • Session 1 – Sick Leave, Part I (1/23)
    • Earning and accumulation
    • Authorized uses of sick leave
    • Family care sick leave – documentation and limits
    • Advance sick leave
  • Session 2 – Sick Leave, Part II  (2/6)
    • Notice requirements
    • Definition of “serious health condition”
    • Substitution of paid leave for FMLA LWOP
    • Medical certification – what is required and what needs to be in it
    • Sick leave abuse
    • Medical examinations
    • Taking action on sick leave-related absences
  • Session 3 – Understanding FMLA (2/20)
    • Basic entitlement
    • Notice requirements
    • FMLA Medical certification requirements
    • Discipline and FMLA – excessive absence, falsified information, failure to comply with notice requirements, last chance agreements

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

Price

$275 per webinar per site. Register for all three by 1/17 for only $795.

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

May
13
Mon
Workplace Investigations Week – Denver @ Sheraton Denver West
May 13 – May 17 all-day

SOLD OUT.  Register now for this program August 5-9, also in Denver.

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, 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 runs 8:30 – 4:00 each day and is pre-approved for 29 CLE credits in Virginia and California. It is also approved for 29 HRCI general recertification credits.

This program fulfills the requirements for 32-hour EEO Investigator training and 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training.

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste

Daily Agenda

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; witness rights; union representation.

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

Conducting the Investigation, Part I: Evidentiary principles; purpose of investigation; preparing for the investigation; role of the investigator; planning the investigation. beginning the interview.

Thursday

Conducting the Investigation, Part II: Conducting the interview; handling difficult 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 April 29):

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

Standard Tuition (register April 30 – May 17):

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

 

Lodging

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

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

Jun
13
Thu
Webinar – 50 Shades of Reprisal: Whistleblower, EEO, Union & Veteran Reprisal
Jun 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

Reprisal is a term that gets used a lot, but did you know that it has different definitions in different cases? If you join FELTG President Deborah Hopkins during this 90-minute webinar to find out exactly where the differences lie, you just might save your agency from losing a reprisal case.

During this interactive discussion, Ms. Hopkins will explain the legal background on the various forms of reprisal and why it’s such an important area of focus in federal employee statutory protection. From there, she will talk about:

  • Whistleblower reprisal: the standards, burden of proof, and actions that constitute reprisal
  • The many forms of EEO reprisal and why it’s the most common category in discrimination findings
  • Reprisal for union activity, including what type of activity falls outside the bounds of coverage
  • What is legal and not legal when considering someone’s veteran status in making employment-related decisions
  • The distinction between reprisal and retaliation

This is an event you won’t want to miss, whether you’re an attorney, LER specialist, EEO specialist, union official or supervisor. We hope you’ll join us.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $275 per site (registration submitted by June 3)

Standard Tuition: $305 per site (registration submitted June 4 or later)

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

Jun
18
Tue
Webinar — Significant Cases and Developments at the FLRA
Jun 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Joe Schimansky

Course Description

We are still getting used to this “new” FLRA. With Chair Colleen Duffy Kiko joining James Abbott and Ernest DuBester, and with the the nomination of Catherine Bird to be General Counsel, the FLRA will soon be at full strength. What will the next year bring for this new group?

Joe Schimansky, former Executive Director of the Federal Service Impasses Panel, will take a look at what’e been happening, and what’s likely to happen in the next few months at the FLRA. He’ll take a look at the most important new decisions to demonstrate how the world of federal labor relations is changing daily, and will provide an explanation of where everything stands with game-changing executive orders issued a year ago by President Trump.

In addition, attendees will learn about the FLRA’s most recent perspectives on:

  • Attorneys fees
  • The distinction between working conditions and conditions of employment
  • Representation cases
  • Excessive interference test
  • And much more

If you are involved in federal sector labor relations, this is a topic you can’t afford to miss.

Price

Early Bird Tuition: $225 per site (payment required by June 7)

Standard Tuition: $255 per site (for payments made June 8 or later)

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

Jun
27
Thu
Webinar – Employee Sexual Misconduct: Discipline Early to Make Your Agency a Safer Place
Jun 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

 1.5

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

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

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

Price

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

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

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

Aug
5
Mon
Workplace Investigations Week – Denver @ Sheraton Denver West
Aug 5 – Aug 9 all-day

Download 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, 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 runs 8:30 – 4:00 each day and is pre-approved for 29 CLE credits in Virginia and California. It is also approved for 29 HRCI general recertification credits.

This program fulfills the requirements for 32-hour EEO Investigator training and 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training. It also meets the requirements for training under the Department of Interior’s Anti-Harassment Policy.

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm

Daily Agenda

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; witness rights; union representation.

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

Conducting the Investigation, Part I: Evidentiary principles; purpose of investigation; preparing for the investigation; role of the investigator; planning the investigation. beginning the interview.

Thursday

Conducting the Investigation, Part II: Conducting the interview; handling difficult 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 July 22):

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

Standard Tuition (register July 23-August 9):

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

 

Lodging

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

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

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