Attention, all federal supervisors (and those who advise them): this is a program you can’t afford to miss. This week covers a range of topics including employee accountability for conduct and performance, managing leave abuse, handling EEO complaints, reasonable accommodation, workplace management and leadership skills, and managing difficult employees.
Supervisors who complete this training meet OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).
The program runs 8:30 – 4:00 each day.
Instructors
Daily Agenda:
Monday
Uncivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Conduct: Fundamentals of disciplinary actions; establishing rules of conduct; proving misconduct; selecting a defensible penalty; providing due process via agency discipline procedures; drafting disciplinary documents; alternatives to discipline.
Tuesday
Maximizing Accountability in Performance: Eliminating unnecessary barriers to addressing poor performance; analyzing your existing appraisal systems; writing clear, measurable, and enforceable performance standards; Within Grade Increases (WIGIs); eliminating unacceptable performance requirements that are not based on law/regulation; employee opportunity periods.
Wednesday
Handling Employee Leave Issues: An overview of leave types and entitlements; annual leave; sick leave; AWOL and Leave Without Pay; FMLA crash course; medical certification requirements; substitution of paid leave; handling complicated leave issues; leave abuse.
Thursday
The Supervisor’s Role in EEO: The role of EEO in the federal government; defining protected categories: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information and reprisal; documentation to help you defend against frivolous complaints; what to do if you’re a Responding Management Official in a complaint.
Friday
Effectively Managing Today’s Federal Workforce: Communicating effectively with employees; managing teleworkers; managing a multigenerational workforce; handling difficult employees; mentorship.
Supervisors who attend the full week will receive a certificate verifying participation in OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors, found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).
Pricing
Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.
Early Bird Tuition (register by July 8):
- 5 days = $2180
- 4 days = $1790
- 3 days = $1380
- 2 days = $980
- 1 day = $540
Standard Tuition (register July 9 – July 26):
- 5 days = $2280
- 4 days = $1890
- 3 days = $1480
- 2 days = $1080
- 1 day = $640
Registered participants will receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant, fourth edition, by Wiley and Hopkins.
Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.
Let’s face it: Being a federal sector Employee Relations Specialist is a tough job. It’s great to know the basics, but the basics don’t always help you when you’re facing those really challenging situations. That’s when you realize that there is much more to learn. No worries. FELTG is presenting Advanced Employee Relations, a three-day seminar focused on immersing you in the employee relations training you need most.
Held in New Orleans in November 2019, you’ll receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, disability accommodation, and more. Plus, hands-on workshops will allow you to leave with the tools you’ll need to succeed. And it will all be taught by FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga.
Great training. Great instructor. Great location. Register now.
The program runs 8:30 – 4:30 each day.
Instructor
Daily Agenda:
Tuesday
Leave and Attendance: Administering leave, with particular emphasis on sick leave, LWOP, and FMLA. Detailed review of sick leave provisions including authorized purposes for use of sick leave, limitations on use of sick leave for family care and bereavement, eligibility to use leave for care, notice requirements, acceptable documentation. Management actions to control use of leave and abuse of sick leave. Detailed review of FMLA provisions including eligibility to invoke FMLA, entitlement, coverage of family members, administration and notice requirements. Acceptable medical documentation under FMLA, definition of serious health condition. Substitution of paid leave. Discipline tied to FMLA. LWOP – when LWOP is mandatory, limits on granting LWOP, employee status while on extended LWOP. Other topics –issues related to annual leave and leave transfer, other leave entitlements.
Wednesday
Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance. GEAR initiative and other efforts focused on modifying Federal performance management system. Requirements for performance plans, including design of agency systems, rating schemes, and procedures for conducting appraisals. Revised DOD performance system to be implemented in 2016. Linkage between appraisal and other personnel management decisions, including reduction-in-force and within-grade increases. Writing effective and measurable performance criteria that will withstand third-party review, including a workshop where participants will do an in-depth review of performance plans. Requirements for successful performance-based actions – from drafting a PIP notice that will withstand scrutiny to conducting a bona fide PIP to ensuring that due process is met in effecting an action on unacceptable performance.
Thursday
Misconduct and Other Related Issues: Implementation of a successful disciplinary program – delegation of authority, role of advisors, warnings and cautions, use of administrative leave. Nexus. Dealing with comparators in determining a penalty. Involuntary actions – resignations and retirements. Ordering and Offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, disability retirement, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.
Pricing
Early Bird Tuition (November 5):
- 3 days = $1370
- 2 days = $970
- 1 day = $530
Standard Tuition (register November 6 – November 21):
- 3 days = $1470
- 2 days = $1070
- 1 day = $630
Nearby hotel (walking distance): Towne Place Suites New Orleans Metairie
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Instructor
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.
Instructor
Course Description
There is a lot of confusion about where the authority comes from to hold employees accountable for many things related to their positions. Position descriptions, performance plans, conduct standards, as well as requirements for training and licenses/certifications all fit into this scheme.
This two-part series will help you navigate which tool works best for building in the accountability that your agency should demand. In Part I, the focus will be on establishing effective performance elements and standards. This workshop will include detailed on guidance on writing measures that are understandable and workable as well as defensible.
FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will explain requirements for establishing various kinds of elements as well as writing standards that measure what is truly important about an employee’s performance. This workshop will include discussion of important MSPB cases about the content of standards.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Identify what critical elements and performance standards are intended to cover
- Craft workable standards that managers can explain and can effectively measure the key things regarding an employee’s performance
- Understand concepts from MSPB case law that explain how to write standards which will withstand scrutiny in grievances and appeals
Price
- Early Bird Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payment required by March 28)
- Standard Tuition: $335 per site, per webinar (payments made March 29 or later)
Register for both webinars by March 28 and pay only $570!
Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, 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.
Instructor
Course Description
In this second part of the Tools for Accountability series. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will cover the range of tools that are available to set job duties and functions, conduct standards, medical standards and physical requirements, and conditions of employment. The session will include discussion of utilizing position descriptions and other agency tools to establish what conduct standards employees are expected to meet. Ms. Haga will explain how to maximize the effectiveness of the tools management can employ to deal with situations when employees fail to meet those requirements.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Ensure effective use of well-crafted position descriptions.
- Establish conditions of employment and taking action when they are not met.
- Understand how medical examinations and physical requirements are established to ensure that employees can safely and effectively perform.
Price
- Early Bird Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payment required by March 28)
- Standard Tuition: $335 per site, per webinar (payments made March 29 or later)
Register for both webinars by March 28 and pay only $570!
Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, per webinar, 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.
Download Individual Registration Form
Instructor
Course Description
Performance appraisals. End of cycle ratings on tough-to-track elements. Discussing performance problems with employees. Taking defensible performance actions. Dealing with generic performance plans. Understanding when an issue is best dealt with through performance and when conduct would be a better answer.
If you really want to make performance a priority for your team, especially as you juggle the work of remote and onsite employees, as well as those working a hybrid schedule, then join us for this new half-day virtual training from FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga.
Ms. Haga will take the mystery out of how the system is supposed to work in the Federal government by helping you review your own performance plans to see what’s good and what needs tweaking. She’ll also explain understand appraisal system requirements, including documenting performance and the the importance of timely and effective feedback. Ms. Haga will review important concepts about developing workable performance plans and how to differentiate between conduct and performance matters. The session will include discussion of the necessary steps to take action on deficient. performance improvement plans, and will also guide you through challenging issues like managing a poor performer who requests reasonable accommodation.
Price
- Early Bird Tuition (register by July 12): $355
- Standard Tuition (register July 13 or later): $395
- Rates per registrant.
- Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 12. 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 July 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.