Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Feb
11
Tue
Advanced Employee Relations – Atlanta @ TWELVE Hotel Centennial Park
Feb 11 – Feb 13 all-day

Download Registration Form

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.

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

Barbara Haga

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 (register by January 31):
      • 3 days = $1370
      • 2 days = $970
      • 1 day = $530

      Standard Tuition (register February 1 – 13):

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

       

Lodging

The hotel has a limited block of rooms reserved for the event at the federal per diem rate. Please contact the hotel directly at 404-418-1212 and reference FELTG when booking, or use this link to book online: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1569526915772&key=GRP&app=resvlink.

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 will not be refunded, and will not be given credit toward another course after the cancellation date on the registration form. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Mar
25
Wed
Webinar – COVID-19 Guidance for the Federal Workplace: Medical Inquiries, Leave, and More
Mar 25 @ 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Course Description

In a matter of weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the federal workplace, the country, and the world. In this free 30-minute webinar, FELTG President and attorney at law Deborah Hopkins discusses two areas where the response to this virus has impacted the federal workplace:

  • ADA and EEOC guidance on the medical impact of COVID-19 in the federal workplace
    • Including medical inquiries, fitness for duty exams, and clearance to return to work
  • OPM and White House guidance on agency operations during the COVID-19 pandemic
    • Including telework, evacuation orders, and weather and safety leave

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Price and Registration

FREE. Registration is currently full. However, if you use the registration link below FELTG will add you to the wait list, and after the webinar’s conclusion we will email you a link so you can view the recorded presentation.

Register here. Enrollment is limited to the first 200 individuals and space is not guaranteed.

If you are one of the first 200 participants to register, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom webinars confirming your registration and containing important access information.
Apr
21
Tue
Virtual Training Event: Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law
Apr 21 – Apr 23 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

These are challenging times for the federal workforce. Over three days, the FELTG Virtual Training Institute will broadcast nine live instructor-led sessions, aimed at providing you with the latest legal and practical guidance to meet these current challenges.

Renew your efforts to hold employees accountable for performance and conduct. Review your responsibilities regarding leave, reasonable accommodation, investigating harassment, and preventing discrimination in the workplace. Stay current on case law. Learn strategies for managing teleworkers – and for managing your own stress and handling employee stress during these trying times. And much more.

There’s no need to feel isolated – even if you’re working alone at home. The open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law program offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, we’ll provide a forum for participants to get in touch and discuss the issues after the sessions are over.

You can register for any of the sessions individually. You can register for a whole day. Or you can register for the whole program. Earn CLE credits and EEO refresher training credits. Three days. Nine sessions. Eight instructors. We’d love to have you join us.

Download Individual Registration Form



Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Performance, Conduct and Legal Updates

Session 1
10:30 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Accountability for Conduct: Taking Defensible Disciplinary Actions
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: This session begins with a discussion on the foundation of supervisory authority, and it will clarify the too-common misconceptions that prevent federal agencies from taking successful misconduct actions against employees. Attendees will learn the five elements that must be present in a disciplinary case, with a special focus on penalty justification and due process requirements. Attendees will leave with the guidance necessary to take defensible actions quickly and fairly – and to ensure that those actions will withstand scrutiny on appeal by the MSPB, EEOC, or in grievance arbitration. Earn 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the legal definition of discipline, and which corrective actions are not discipline under the law.
  • Identify the legal elements required in every disciplinary case, and the standard of proof to take a defensible action.
  • Use the Douglas Factors in penalty determination.

Session 2
1:00 – 2:30 pm EDT
Unacceptable Performance: Streamlining the Procedures
Presented by William Wiley, Attorney at Law, FELTG Past President

Course Description: When it comes to poor performance, the one action you can’t afford to take is not taking action. Yet, when you do take a performance-based action, there are limitless mistakes that can trip you up and result in lost appeals. During this session, Bill Wiley shares the tools you need to confidently and effectively address poor performance, including initiating a performance demonstration period/PIP, the evidence and documentation needed to justify a performance-based action, and a secret trick on removing an employee for poor performance without using a demonstration period/PIP. After this session, attendees will have the tools necessary to remove an unacceptable performer in 31 days. Earn 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Recognize the standards of proof needed for a performance-based action.
  • Implement recent Executive Orders and OPM guidance into your performance procedures.
  • Successfully take a defensible performance-based action.

Session 3
3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT 
Federal Employment Law Update: Recent Developments at the EEOC, FLRA and MSPB
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: In the world of federal employment law, things can change quickly; there has been more action in the past three years than in the last 35 years before. Join FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm for a review of the most recent and relevant cases, regulations, studies and reports from the EEOC, FLRA and MSPB, plus information from OPM and the Office of Special Counsel. She will also cover the very latest on Executive Orders 13836, 13836, 13837 and 13839. Attendees will leave with knowledge of recent developments and with an in-depth analysis of the current employment law climate and its impact on the federal workplace. Earn 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the most critical recent decisions from the EEOC and FLRA.
  • Explain the status and impact of President Trump’s Executive Orders regarding the federal workplace.
  • Understand the current status of the MSPB and how the lack of quorum impacts agency actions and appeals.


Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Managing and Advising During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Session 4
10:30 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Handling Current Leave Challenges in the Federal Workplace
Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

Course description: Barbara Haga will review some of the most pressing issues involving leave, including tough questions related to FMLA and sick leave, the paid family leave provisions expected to go into effect in October, and the flexibilities related to leave tied to the COVID-19 pandemic including weather and safety leave. Attendees will come away with an array of knowledge for handling the leave issues they’re likely to face in the coming weeks and months, and will be equipped for a successful return to more normal operations in the future.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Apply weather and safety leave standards during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Identify the provisions of the new paid family leave, and which employees are affected.
  • Manage requests for sick leave and FMLA, from near and far.

Session 5
1:00 – 2:30 pm EDT
Managing a Mobile Workforce: Tools for Accountability
Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course description: One of the biggest challenges facing agencies during this COVID-19 Pandemic is that so much of the workforce is no longer in the workplace. How do you handle performance issues? What about conduct? Are work expectations lowered or amended when people telework in emergency situations? What are the pitfalls or best practices for managing employees from afar? Using anecdotes from her decade of experience managing a remote workforce, FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will provide the answers and share exclusive tips you shouldn’t miss. Earn 1.5 CLE credits

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Communicate expectations to employees who are new to telework.
  • Conduct a performance demonstration period while an employee is working remotely.
  • Identify the telework performance pitfalls for employees and supervisors.

Session 6
3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT
Strategies for Stress: Effectively Coping in a COVID-19 World
Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, FELTG Instructor

Course description: The COVID-19 pandemic has required all of us to make major lifestyle changes, whether you’re in the office or working from home. Our lives have quickly been altered, creating varying levels of anxiety and uncertainty. Change, stress and social isolation can significantly impact your health and job performance. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Shana Palmieri will guide you through how to manage change and stress for yourself and your employees so you can continue to focus on your agency’s mission – from wherever you happen to be working.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Manage workforce disruptions to successfully stay focused on work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Cope with social distancing and social isolation.
  • Recognize and manage stress levels that, when unaddressed, impact your work performance and overall wellness.


Thursday, April 23, 2020

EEO Challenges in the Federal Workplace

Session 7
10:30 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Preventing and Correcting Discrimination: A Focus on Race, Color, and National Origin
Presented by Ricky Rowe, Former National EEO Manager/Veterans Affairs, FELTG Instructor

Course description: During stressful times, there is often a desire to find something, or someone, to blame. In some cases, employees perceive a conflict with agency management to be motivated by an illegal reason. And every now and then, an agency official engages in unlawful discrimination, and then the agency has a responsibility to make amends with the employee. FELTG Instructor Ricky Rowe will use his 38 years of federal sector EEO and HR experience to address these scenarios with a review of relevant EEOC decisions involving employee race, color and national origin, and will share timely and critical information to ensure that your workplace is safe and inclusive for all. Earn 1.5 EEO refresher training hours by attending this session.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the discrimination theories where race, color and national origin could form the basis of a complaint.
  • Recognize and immediately address instances of race, color, and national origin discrimination in the workplace.
  • Determine when language-restrictive policies are discriminatory – and when they are permitted.

Session 8
1:00 – 2:30 pm EDT
Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: If there’s one topic on every agency’s front burner, it’s harassment. FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson will explain the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the critical steps that agencies should take when investigating misconduct. An incomplete investigation could cost you the case, so it’s imperative to understand the requirements for a legally sufficient harassment investigation. Attendees will leave with useful guidance and practical tools to help them complete an effective and thorough investigation. Earn 1.5 EEO refresher training hours by attending this session. Earn 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Address the issue of harassment as misconduct, not just an EEO issue.
  • Identify the numerous forms that harassment takes.
  • Interview all relevant parties in a harassment investigation: the complainant, the accused, and material witnesses.

Session 9
3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT
Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace: Challenges and Solutions for 2020
Presented by Meghan Droste, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Reasonable accommodation for disabilities intersects with every aspect of the federal workforce: conduct, performance, leave, telework, and more. FELTG Instructor Meghan Droste will explain answers to the most common questions including: What does qualified individual really mean? What is the agency required to do during the interactive process? Must I provide a provisional accommodation? Do I have to grant telework as an accommodation? Is providing a new supervisor a reasonable accommodation? You’ll receive guidance on other perplexing reasonable accommodation challenges, and discuss the mistakes agencies have made in recent cases – so you can avoid similar mistakes. You can’t afford to miss this session. Earn 1.5 EEO refresher hours and 1.5 CLE credits.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Make legal disability determinations.
  • Understand “qualified individual” standard.
  • Provide the most effective reasonable accommodation to allow the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

 


Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by April 14): One Session = $100  |  Three Sessions = $250  |  All Access = $700
  • Standard Tuition (register April 15-23): One Session = $115  |  Three Sessions = $275  |  All Access = $750
  • Rates per registrant.
  • REGISTER NOW.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom Webinars (not Zoom Meetings) to broadcast 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.
  • How do I claim CLE or EEO refresher credits?
    • This program has been submitted (and we anticipate this program will be approved) for Virginia CLE credits. Members of other state bars must submit for CLE credit on their own, and may use the materials provided by FELTG in submissions. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended, and will designate how many EEO refresher hours were earned.
  • Can I get HRCI credits for attending this class?
    • Each session is approved for 1.5 hours of HRCI general recertification credit. The HRCI course numbers will be available upon the conclusion of the training.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG plans to record every session, and will make recordings available for purchase after the conclusion of the event.
  • 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?
    • The group discount deadline has passed.

 

May
13
Wed
Virtual Training Event – EEO Challenges in a COVID-19 World
May 13 all-day

Download Registration Form

EEO Challenges in a COVID-19 World

The workplace has been turned upside down over the last few weeks as more than a million federal employees have left their desks and agency facilities to work from home. But just because there’s nobody in the office doesn’t mean that EEO problems have vanished, too. Plus, EEO problems for workers whose presence is deemed essential – such as health care providers, security officers, law enforcement officials – are on the rise.

HR specialists, EEO professionals, agency attorneys and supervisors are finding that instead of decreasing as social distancing sets in, EEO problems are getting more challenging – and some of the questions that are arising have no legal precedent, due to the unprecedented nature of this pandemic. It’s expected that these challenges will continue, and possibly increase, once the majority of workers report back to their offices.

It may seem as though you’re suddenly navigating uncharted waters. Have no fear. During this half-day virtual training event, Attorney Katherine Atkinson will explain how applying the basic EEO framework can answer the aforementioned and other puzzling EEO questions you may suddenly face. Because Ms. Atkinson will use a legal analysis to address these challenges, the answers and guidance you receive during this virtual training will be useful long after the coronavirus is gone.

Topics covered will include answers to these questions:

  • If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
  • How would you handle an employee’s claim that he’s being harassed because he is at high risk for COVID-19, or has recovered from the virus?
  • Can you direct someone with asthma to telework when she prefers to work in the office?
  • Must you provide telework or other accommodations to all employees with pre-existing conditions that make them high risk for COVID-19?

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

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to determine:

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

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

3

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by May 6): $250
  • Standard Tuition (register May 7-13): $280
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through May 6. Contact FELTG.
  • REGISTER NOW.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom Webinars (not Zoom Meetings) to broadcast 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.
  • 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 record every session, and will make recordings available for purchase after the conclusion of the event.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through May 6.

 

May
18
Mon
Virtual Training Event: Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
May 18 – May 20 all-day

Download Registration Form

Event Description

Investigating harassment in your 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.

Download Individual Registration Form



Monday, May 18, 2020

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT (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.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT (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.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

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

Course description: Attorney Meghan Droste 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. Droste 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 May 8): One Session = $240  |  Two Sessions = $480  |  Full Event = $645
  • Standard Tuition (register May 9-May 20): One Session = $255  |  Two Sessions = $510  |  Full Event = $695
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through May 8. Contact FELTG.
  • REGISTER NOW.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom Webinars (not Zoom Meetings) to broadcast 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.
  • 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 based on the number of sessions attended by employees in an organization. If an agency wishes to register participants for a total of 30 sessions, a group discount will apply if all registrations received and paid for together. For example, that could be 10 Full Event registrations; or 15 people attending two sessions each. Group discounts are only available through May 8.

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

Jun
1
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Taking Defensible Disciplinary Actions
Jun 1 – Jun 3 all-day

Download Registration Form

Event Description

Though the world looks different than it did a few months ago, one thing hasn’t changed: the need for agencies to take disciplinary actions against employees who violate workplace rules. It’s more important than ever for agency advisers to be aware of new regulations, and the current status of the executive orders, that apply to executive branch employees. FELTG’s Virtual Training Institute presents Taking Defensible Disciplinary Actions, a three-day virtual program covering the legal requirements and best practices for taking defensible disciplinary actions in the federal government – actions that will withstand appeal by a third party.

Join top MSPB practitioners and topic authors, and learn the law, strategies, and techniques from their many years of combined experience. 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.

Download Individual Registration Form



Monday, June 1, 2020

Session 1: The Foundations of Accountability: Discipline and Adverse Actions

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

Session Description: This session begins with a discussion of the foundations of accountability based on the Civil Service Reform Act and the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, and the importance of understanding the differences between employee poor performance and misconduct. The program will cover the five elements that must be present in every disciplinary case, plus discipline and adverse action procedures, and how an agency can defend itself in an appeal to an MSPB administrative judge or in front of an arbitrator. Plus, we’ll spotlight discipline alternatives such as last chance agreements and last rites discussions.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the differences between misconduct and poor performance.
  • Develop a disciplinary record containing the five elements of a legally-defensible disciplinary case.
  • Identify alternatives to traditional discipline.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Session 2: Charges and Penalties

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

Session Description: If you’ve been in the business for more that a few days, you know the importance of drafting legally-sufficient disciplinary charges, and the importance of making a reasonable penalty determination. Yet many agencies still lose cases because of poorly-drafted charges. This session will cover the art and science behind drafting disciplinary charges, including the types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, and alternative charges. From there the discussion will turn to MSPB and Federal Circuit lead cases in penalty determination, and defending the penalty using the Douglas factors, including getting “intent” penalties off of “non-intent” charges, and proving harsh penalties off of vanilla charges. Plus, we’ll cover the important aspects of drafting proposal and decision letters.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify sound, legally-defensible charges that correspond to an employee’s misconduct.
  • Understand how the Douglas factors impact the reasonableness of an agency’s penalty.
  • Draft proposal and decision letters according to legal standards.

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Session 3: Affirmative Defenses and Mixed Cases

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 2:00 – 2:30)
Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President and Robert Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Session Description: When it comes to discipline, employees often want to challenge management in an attempt to get the discipline overturned. On some occasion, those challenges can be a bit complicated. This session will cover two areas you’ll need to be prepared for: affirmative defenses and mixed cases. We’ll take a look at the multiple types of reprisal an employee might allege as an affirmative defense, plus cover what to do if an employee alleges an agency action was motivated by EEO discrimination, or accused the agency of committing a harmful error. From there the discussion will focus the anatomy of a mixed case appeal or a mixed case complaint, and what you should do when one of these lands on your desk.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand affirmative defenses and learn how to defend against them.
  • Successfully defend your agency against whistleblower reprisal complaints.
  • Identify and successfully navigate scenarios involving mixed cases.


Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by May 22): One Day = $275  |  Two Days = $525  |  Full Event = $750
  • Standard Tuition (register May 23-June 3): One Day = $325  |  Two Days = $575  |  Full Event = $795
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through May 22. Contact FELTG.
  • REGISTER NOW.

 

Event FAQs

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form

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

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

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

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

Learning Objectives

After completing this training, attendees will know how to:

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Session Description

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

Presented by Ann Boehm, FELTG Instructor, Attorney at Law

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

 

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

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

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

Part 3: Managing the Mental Health Crisis During the Pandemic

Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, FELTG Instructor

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

Price

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

Event FAQs

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

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

Holding federal employees accountable for performance and conduct is easier than you might think. Too many supervisors believe that an employee’s protected activity (EEO complaints, whistleblower disclosures, or union activity) precludes the supervisor from initiating a suspension or removal, but that’s just not true. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more imperative your employees are doing the work they are assigned to do, and following all workplace rules along the way.

FELTG is here to make federal supervisors’ and advisers’ lives easier by clarifying those misconceptions while helping supervisors understand how to take defensible misconduct actions quickly and fairly – actions that withstand scrutiny on appeal by the MSPB, EEOC, or in grievance arbitration. Plus, if you have an under-performing employee working for you now, we will show you the steps to take to give the employee an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance, and how to determine whether the employee is successful or should be removed. In addition, we’ll discuss how you can defend against allegations of discrimination and hostile work environment claims, and the role of the supervisor and advisor throughout the EEO process.

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form



Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Session 1: Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I

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

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

Learning Objectives

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


Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Session 2: Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II

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

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

Learning Objectives

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

 


Thursday, June 25, 2020

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

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

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

Learning Objectives

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


Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by June 9):

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

Standard Tuition (register June 10-25):

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

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

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through June 9.
Jun
29
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Federal Workplace Challenges in a COVID-19 World: Returning to Work During a Pandemic
Jun 29 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

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

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

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

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

Learning Objectives

After completing this training, attendees will know how to:

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Session Description

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

Presented by Ann Boehm, FELTG Instructor, Attorney at Law

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

 

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

Presented by Ann Boehm, FELTG President, Attorney at Law

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

Part 3: Managing the Mental Health Crisis During the Pandemic

Presented by Shana Palmieri, LCSW, FELTG Instructor

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

Price

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

Event FAQs

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

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

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

Price

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

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Let’s face it: being a federal sector Employee Relations Specialist is a tough job. It’s great to know the basics, but the basics don’t always help you when you’re facing complicated or challenging situations. That’s when you realize that there is much more to learn. No worries. The FELTG Virtual Training Institute presents Advanced Employee Relations, a three-day seminar focused on immersing you in the employee relations training you need most.

You’ll receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, disability accommodation, and more. Plus, interactive workshops will allow you to leave with the tools you’ll need to succeed. And it will all be taught by FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga, one of the most experienced federal employee relations professionals you’ll ever meet.

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

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday, July 7

Leave and Attendance: Administering leave, with particular emphasis on sick leave, LWOP, and FMLA. Detailed review of sick leave provisions including authorized purposes for use of sick leave, limitations on use of sick leave for family care and bereavement, eligibility to use leave for care, notice requirements, acceptable documentation. Management actions to control use of leave and abuse of sick leave. Detailed review of FMLA provisions including eligibility to invoke FMLA, entitlement, coverage of family members, administration and notice requirements. Acceptable medical documentation under FMLA, definition of serious health condition. Substitution of paid leave. Discipline tied to FMLA. LWOP – when LWOP is mandatory, limits on granting LWOP, employee status while on extended LWOP. Other topics –issues related to annual leave and leave transfer, other leave entitlements.

Wednesday, July 8

Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance. GEAR initiative and other efforts focused on modifying Federal performance management system. Requirements for performance plans, including design of agency systems, rating schemes, and procedures for conducting appraisals. Revised DOD performance system to be implemented in 2016. Linkage between appraisal and other personnel management decisions, including reduction-in-force and within-grade increases. Writing effective and measurable performance criteria that will withstand third-party review, including a workshop where participants will do an in-depth review of performance plans. Requirements for successful performance-based actions – from drafting a PIP notice that will withstand scrutiny to conducting a bona fide PIP to ensuring that due process is met in effecting an action on unacceptable performance.

Thursday, July 9

Misconduct and Other Related Issues: Implementation of a successful disciplinary program – delegation of authority, role of advisors, warnings and cautions, use of administrative leave. Nexus. Dealing with comparators in determining a penalty. Involuntary actions – resignations and retirements. Ordering and Offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, disability retirement, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.

Pricing

    • Early Bird Tuition (register by June 22):
      • 3 days = $1370
      • 2 days = $970
      • 1 day = $530

      Standard Tuition (register June 23 – July 9):

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

       

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

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through June 22.
Jul
20
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Emerging Issues Week: The Federal Workplace’s Most Challenging Situations
Jul 20 – Jul 24 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

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

Navigating your role in the modern federal workplace requires not just the legal knowledge, but also the practical skills to handle the most intense and challenging situations. And the challenges you face today may not be the same as the challenges you faced last week, last month, or last year. And if that weren’t enough, there’s now a global pandemic to contend with.

For example, do you know what to do in the following scenarios?

  • An employee with bipolar disorder is having a manic episode in the workplace.
  • An employee threatens violence or suicide after the social isolation caused by COVID-19 has taken its toll.
  • An employee claims she is being sexually harassed by one of your best performers.
  • You’ve heard reports that another manager is bullying an employee.
  • Your entire team is working remotely, but you need to meet with everyone to discuss a project or deadline.
  • An employee is wasting time on social media when he is supposed to be working.
  • The union is using abrasive language directed at agency leadership and management officials.

We will provide you the specific legal, practical and clinical guidance you need to reply effectively in these and many other difficult situations during our updated-for-2020 Emerging Issues Week. You’ll gain the tools to better understand how to:

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

Who Should Attend

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

Instructors

Deborah HopkinsShana Palmieri, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm

Daily Agenda:

Monday, July 20

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

Tuesday, July 21

Dealing with Threats of Violence: Course topics: Handling the psychiatric emergency in the workplace; threatening behavior and the direct threat analysis; myths and facts about targeted violence in the workplace; dealing with suicidal employees; individual characteristics that put an employee at higher risk of committing an act of violence; how to develop and implement an in-house threat management team to deal with threat assessments, risk management, and the best ways to keep employees safe during a crisis; steps to take if someone becomes violent in the workplace.

Wednesday, July 22

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

Thursday, July 23

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

Friday, July 24

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

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 6):

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

Standard Tuition (register July 7 – July 24):

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

 

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

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 6.
Jul
27
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Federal Workplace 2020: Accountability, Challenges, and Trends During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jul 27 – Jul 31 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

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

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

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

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

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

Who Should Attend

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

Download Individual Registration Form



Monday, July 27, 2020

Counselor& Investigator Refresher Jump Start

 

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

(Earn 3 EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours)

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

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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


Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Spotlight on Accountability

 

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

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

This session begins with a discussion on the foundation of supervisory authority, and it will clarify the too-common misconceptions that prevent federal agencies from taking successful misconduct and performance-based actions against employees. Attendees will learn the five elements that must be present in a disciplinary case, the principles for holding employees accountable to perform acceptably, and will leave with the guidance necessary to avoid the roadblocks that lead to actions that fail when under the scrutiny of the MSPB, EEOC, or in grievance arbitration.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

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

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

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

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

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

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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


Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Handling EEO Challenges

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

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

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

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

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

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

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

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

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

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

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

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

 

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

 



Thursday, July 30, 2020

Trends in Federal Employment Law

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

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

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

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

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

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

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

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

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

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

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

(Earn 1.25 CLE credits)

In the world of federal employment law, things can change quickly; there has been more action in the past three years than in the previous 35. Join FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm for a review of the most recent and relevant cases, regulations, studies and reports from the EEOC, FLRA and MSPB, plus information from OPM and the Office of Special Counsel and where things stand with the Executive Orders. Attendees will leave with knowledge of recent developments and with an in-depth analysis of the current employment law climate and its impact on the federal workplace.

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the most critical recent decisions from the EEOC and FLRA.
  • Explain the status and impact of President Trump’s Executive Orders regarding the federal workplace.
  • Understand the current status of the MSPB and how the lack of quorum impacts agency actions and appeals.

 



Friday, July 31, 2020

Ethics 

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

(Earn 2.0 CLE ethics credits)

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

Pricing

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

 

Event FAQs

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

 

Aug
26
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Managing Employees With Mental Health Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Aug 26 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 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 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. Meanwhile, much of the federal workplace is struggling with new work processes and heightened responsibilities, especially those working directly on the pandemic while navigating political minefields.

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 like:

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

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

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Shana Palmieri

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $325 (register by August 16).
  • Standard Tuition: $365 (register August 17-26).
  • Rates per registrant.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • Can I earn CLE credits or EEO refresher training for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through August 16.

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.

 

Sep
8
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Accommodating and Understanding Employees with Hidden Disabilities
Sep 8 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

From chronic pain and chronic fatigue to depression and diabetes, employees may be suffering from physical or mental impairments that aren’t obvious. Meanwhile, far too many federal employees and supervisors have a perception that if a disability isn’t visible, then it must not be “real.” And then there’s the fact that most employees are working remotely during pandemic, making the accommodation process even more challenging for HR professionals, supervisors, and the people who advise them.

Successful reasonable accommodation requires a two-pronged approach:

  1. An understanding of how to properly navigate the legal requirements, and
  2. Practical strategies to determine the most effective accommodation based upon knowledge of the actual impairments.

FELTG President and attorney at law Deborah Hopkins will kick off this virtual training with a thorough review of the ADA and Rehab Act requirements, plus EEOC guidance on accommodating individuals with mental impairments, behavioral health issues, and other hidden disabilities. Then Licensed Clinical Social Worker Shana Palmieri will discuss the best approaches to take – and those to stay away from – as you work with employees to accommodate their unseen disabilities.

If you attend, you will also have multiple opportunities to ask questions – and get answers in real time. And you will leave this training with a holistic and legally sound approach to providing reasonable accommodations to employees with hidden disabilities. This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 pm.

Learning takeaways:

  • Understand “qualified individual,” “essential functions,” and other terms integral to determining whether to grant reasonable accommodation.
  • Successfully take part in the interactive process.
  • Determine whether telework is an appropriate accommodation.
  • Explain how certain impairments may impact employee performance.
  • Communicate effectively with employees during the reasonable accommodation process.

See the Agenda below for a more detailed list of topics.

3

Download Individual Registration Form

Who Should Attend

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

Agenda

Part 1 – Reasonable Accommodation: The Legal Groundwork

12:30 – 2:00 pm eastern, with Instructor Deborah Hopkins

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

Part 2 – Reasonable Accommodation: Practical Applications

2:30 – 4:00 pm eastern, with Instructor Shana Palmieri

Course topics: Understanding common behavioral health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders; methods for accommodating employees with hidden disabilities; effective communication strategies; handling the behavioral health emergency.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $325 (register by August 31).
  • Standard Tuition: $365 (register September 1-8).
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • Can I earn CLE credits or EEO refresher training for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended. Attendees may also request a certificate for EEO refresher hours upon completion of this program.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through August 31.

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
6
Tue
Virtual Training Event: Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
Oct 6 – Oct 8 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

Investigating harassment in your 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 Individual Registration Form



Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT (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 7, 2020

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT (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 8, 2020

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

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

Course description: Attorney Meghan Droste 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. Droste 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 September 25): One Session = $325  |  Two Sessions = $600  |  Full Event = $850
  • Standard Tuition (register September 26 – October 8): One Session = $375  |  Two Sessions = $650  |  Full Event = $900
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through September 25. 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 25.

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
13
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Developing and Defending Discipline: Holding Federal Employees Accountable
Oct 13 – Oct 15 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

Holding federal employees accountable for performance and conduct is easier than you might think. Too many supervisors believe that an employee’s protected activity (EEO complaints, whistleblower disclosures, or union activity) precludes the supervisor from initiating a suspension or removal, but that’s just not true. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more imperative your employees are doing the work they are assigned to do, and following all workplace rules along the way.

FELTG is here to make federal supervisors’ and advisers’ lives easier by clarifying those misconceptions while helping supervisors understand how to take defensible misconduct actions quickly and fairly – actions that withstand scrutiny on appeal by the MSPB, EEOC, or in grievance arbitration. Plus, if you have an under-performing employee working for you now, we will show you the steps to take to give the employee an opportunity to demonstrate acceptable performance, and how to determine whether the employee is successful or should be removed. In addition, we’ll discuss how you can defend against allegations of discrimination and hostile work environment claims, and the role of the supervisor and advisor throughout the EEO process.

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

The program runs from 12:00 – 4:30 eastern each day, with a break from 2:00 – 2:30, and when taken together days 1 & 2 meet OPM’s mandatory training requirements for federal supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

Download Individual Registration Form



Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Session 1: Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I

12:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)
Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

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

Learning Objectives

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

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Session 2: Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II

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

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

Learning Objectives

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

 


Thursday, October 15, 2020

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

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

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

Learning Objectives

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


Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by September 30):

  • 3 days = $1015
  • 2 days = $700
  • 1 day = $370

Standard Tuition (register October 1-15):

  • 3 days = $1045
  • 2 days = $730
  • 1 day = $400

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 September 30 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after September 30 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through September 30.
Oct
20
Tue
Webinar Series – FELTG’s Fall 2020 Webinars
Oct 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Bob Woods, Barbara Haga, Joe Schimansky

Series Description

These are demanding times. Even if your agency isn’t laser-focused on pandemic-related efforts, it is most certainly challenged to meet its mission while managing the burdens and stresses of a workplace changed by the coronavirus crisis.

Meanwhile, new issues arise that make navigating the complex and always-changing landscape of federal employment law even more difficult.

FELTG’s fall webinar series provides an opportunity to re-center your efforts, while you re-educate yourself on key legal concepts impacting today’s federal workplace.

Over eight 60-minute webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from harassment to age discrimination, from medical removals to the new Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, from performance and disciplinary documents to whistleblower reprisal, as well as legal updates and recent case law involving EEO and labor relations. Register now for one, a few, or all of the courses in the series.

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET. Click on any webinar title for a full description.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made October 4 or later)
  • Register for all eight webinars by October 3 and pay only $1825!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis. Have a bunch of teleworkers? Contact FELTG for group discounts.

Oct
22
Thu
Virtual Training Event – COVID-19 and EEO: What Agencies Need to Know Today
Oct 22 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

COVID-19 and EEO: What Agencies Need to Know Today

Back by demand and updated with the very latest guidance!

The workplace has been turned upside down over the last several months, as more than a million federal employees left their desks and agency facilities to work from home. Some agencies are ordering employees back to their offices and facilities while others are teleworking long-term. Although fewer people are working in the office, EEO problems have not vanished. Plus, EEO problems for workers whose presence is deemed essential – such as health care providers, security officers, law enforcement officials – are on the rise.

HR specialists, EEO professionals, agency attorneys and supervisors are finding that instead of decreasing as social distancing continues, EEO problems are getting more challenging – and some of the questions that are arising have no legal precedent, due to the unprecedented nature of this pandemic. It’s expected that these challenges will continue, and possibly increase, once the majority of workers report back to their offices.

It may seem as though you’re suddenly navigating uncharted waters. Have no fear. During this half-day virtual training event, Attorney Katherine Atkinson will explain how applying the basic EEO framework can answer the aforementioned and other puzzling EEO questions you may suddenly face. Because Ms. Atkinson will use a legal analysis to address these challenges, the answers and guidance you receive during this virtual training will be useful long after the coronavirus is gone.

Topics covered will include answers to these questions:

  • If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
  • How would you handle an employee’s claim that he’s being harassed because he is at high risk for COVID-19, or has recovered from the virus?
  • Can you direct someone with asthma to telework when she prefers to work in the office?
  • Must you provide telework or other accommodations to all employees with pre-existing conditions that make them high risk for COVID-19?
  • Can the agency require a temperature check or COVID-19 screening before allowing an employee to report to work?

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

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to determine:

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

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

3

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by October 12): $340
  • Standard Tuition (register October 13-22): $380
  • 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 to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. 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. 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.

Oct
27
Tue
Webinar – Solving Problems with Disciplinary and Performance Documents
Oct 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

A majority of federal employees say their managers fail to take the necessary steps to address poor-performing coworkers – in fact, the 2019 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey reported that only 34% of employees are happy with how their supervisors handle poor performers. And there is a general sense throughout government that in most agencies, misconduct is not being handled effectively. The problem often isn’t that supervisors are not addressing performance and conduct problems – it’s that they’re doing it incorrectly.

A poorly chosen word, too many unnecessary words, the wrong charge, too much discussion of evidence – these common occurrences will derail your efforts. FELTG President and Attorney at Law Deborah Hopkins will identify the pitfalls and offer direct guidance on drafting legally-sufficient discipline and performance documents.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Properly assess and draft mitigating and aggravating factors.
  • Identify the pros and cons of the different styles of charges.
  • Draft an effective Performance Demonstration Period initiation memo.

This webinar is part of the Fall 2020 Webinar Series.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made October 4)
  • Register for all eight webinars by October 3 and pay only $1825!

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

Webinar Series – FELTG’s Fall 2020 Webinars
Oct 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Bob Woods, Barbara Haga, Joe Schimansky

Series Description

These are demanding times. Even if your agency isn’t laser-focused on pandemic-related efforts, it is most certainly challenged to meet its mission while managing the burdens and stresses of a workplace changed by the coronavirus crisis.

Meanwhile, new issues arise that make navigating the complex and always-changing landscape of federal employment law even more difficult.

FELTG’s fall webinar series provides an opportunity to re-center your efforts, while you re-educate yourself on key legal concepts impacting today’s federal workplace.

Over eight 60-minute webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from harassment to age discrimination, from medical removals to the new Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, from performance and disciplinary documents to whistleblower reprisal, as well as legal updates and recent case law involving EEO and labor relations. Register now for one, a few, or all of the courses in the series.

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET. Click on any webinar title for a full description.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made October 4 or later)
  • Register for all eight webinars by October 3 and pay only $1825!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis. Have a bunch of teleworkers? Contact FELTG for group discounts.

Nov
3
Tue
Webinar – When Employees Can’t Get to Work: What You Need to Know About Medical Removals
Nov 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Course Description

One of the hardest things for a supervisor to handle is a legitimately sick employee who stays out of work for an extended period of time.  How long is it reasonable for an employee to stay employed and yet not come to work?  What can a supervisor do if the employee just won’t return? During this 60-minute webinar, Ann Boehm will provide agency advisers and supervisors with the tools needed to remove employees who are medically no longer able to perform their federal jobs.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Use the Cook criteria to determine whether an excessive absence removal is appropriate.
  • Understand the elements of the Medical Inability to Perform charge.
  • Determine when a reasonable accommodation of absence is appropriate.

This webinar is part of the Fall 2020 Webinar Series.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made October 4)
  • Register for all eight webinars by October 3 and pay only $1825!

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

Webinar Series – FELTG’s Fall 2020 Webinars
Nov 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Bob Woods, Barbara Haga, Joe Schimansky

Series Description

These are demanding times. Even if your agency isn’t laser-focused on pandemic-related efforts, it is most certainly challenged to meet its mission while managing the burdens and stresses of a workplace changed by the coronavirus crisis.

Meanwhile, new issues arise that make navigating the complex and always-changing landscape of federal employment law even more difficult.

FELTG’s fall webinar series provides an opportunity to re-center your efforts, while you re-educate yourself on key legal concepts impacting today’s federal workplace.

Over eight 60-minute webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from harassment to age discrimination, from medical removals to the new Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, from performance and disciplinary documents to whistleblower reprisal, as well as legal updates and recent case law involving EEO and labor relations. Register now for one, a few, or all of the courses in the series.

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET. Click on any webinar title for a full description.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made October 4 or later)
  • Register for all eight webinars by October 3 and pay only $1825!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis. Have a bunch of teleworkers? Contact FELTG for group discounts.

Nov
5
Thu
Virtual Training Event – Handling Cases Before the EEOC, MSPB and in Arbitration: Best Practices for Representatives
Nov 5 @ 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

Handling Cases Before the EEOC, MSPB and in Arbitration: Best Practices for Representatives

Litigating cases in federal sector employment law is a unique prospect, and isn’t for the unprepared. In addition, taking a case to arbitration is also a world of its own. This half-day virtual class focuses on providing tips to practice effectively and successfully in administrative hearings before the EEOC, MSPB, and in arbitration. Learn the similarities and differences between these forums, how to get organized for the hearing, and the techniques of effective direct- and cross-examination, and gain insight to the thought processes of the adjudicators. Plus, you’ll receive an overview of the available appellate procedures – from someone who has vast experience .

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn:

  • The unique aspects to practicing before the EEOC, MSPB and in arbitration
  • The best techniques for persuading the adjudicator
  • How to handle hearings in a virtual setting
  • They ways in which administrative hearings are NOT like litigating in court

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

3

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

 

 

 

 

Katherine Atkinson

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by October 26): $340
  • Standard Tuition (register October 27-November 5): $380
  • 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 to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. 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. 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.

Nov
10
Tue
Webinar Series – FELTG’s Fall 2020 Webinars
Nov 10 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Bob Woods, Barbara Haga, Joe Schimansky

Series Description

These are demanding times. Even if your agency isn’t laser-focused on pandemic-related efforts, it is most certainly challenged to meet its mission while managing the burdens and stresses of a workplace changed by the coronavirus crisis.

Meanwhile, new issues arise that make navigating the complex and always-changing landscape of federal employment law even more difficult.

FELTG’s fall webinar series provides an opportunity to re-center your efforts, while you re-educate yourself on key legal concepts impacting today’s federal workplace.

Over eight 60-minute webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from harassment to age discrimination, from medical removals to the new Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, from performance and disciplinary documents to whistleblower reprisal, as well as legal updates and recent case law involving EEO and labor relations. Register now for one, a few, or all of the courses in the series.

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET. Click on any webinar title for a full description.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made October 4 or later)
  • Register for all eight webinars by October 3 and pay only $1825!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis. Have a bunch of teleworkers? Contact FELTG for group discounts.

Nov
12
Thu
Webinar – Implementing New OPM Regs for More Effective Disciplinary and Performance Actions
Nov 12 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

This event is sold out. Attend the encore (also a live webinar presentation) on December 3. Click here for details and registration.

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Program Description

OPM recently released updated regulations for 5 CFR Parts 315, 432 and 752 that go into effect on November 15. Is your agency ready to implement them? These regulations provide details on processes and build on Executive Order 13839, to make it easier for agencies to terminate poor performers and those involved in misconduct, plus provide new information on probationary periods, clean record settlements, and more.

If you’ve attended FELTG training in the last couple of years, then you have a good head start on implementing these regulations, and this webinar will ensure you have everything in place. If not, we welcome you to join us and buckle up as FELTG President Deborah Hopkins presents a 60-minute webinar to answer the following questions:

  • What types of assistance must agencies give employees during the performance opportunity period?
  • How long should you give employees to respond to allegations of poor performance or misconduct?
  • How should agencies discipline supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers?
  • Do supervisors need to affirmatively decide to keep probationary employees beyond the initial appointment probationary period?
  • And more!

You cannot afford to miss this webinar. Attendees will learn not only how implement these regulations, but they’ll leave the webinar with the tools to more effectively hold employees accountable for performance and conduct.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (payment required by November 3):
    • 1 line: $170
    • 2-5 lines: $255
    • 6-9 lines: $330
    • 10-15 lines: $415
    • 16-20 lines: $495
  • Standard Tuition (payment made November 4 or later):
    • 1 line: $195
    • 2-5 lines: $290
    • 6-9 lines: $370
    • 10-15 lines: $460
    • 16-20 lines: $545

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

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
Mon
Virtual Training Event: Workplace Investigations Week
Nov 16 – Nov 20 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

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, factfinding, 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.

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

This program runs from 9:30 – 4:00 eastern each day, with a 60-minute break from 12:00 – 1:00. See blow for a detailed agenda.

Download Individual Registration Form



Instructors

Ann BoehmKatherine AtkinsonMeghan Droste

Daily Agenda

Monday

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

Tuesday

Harassment Investigations: Investigating allegations of harassment; differentiating between EEO and non-EEO harassment; the EEO process for EEO investigators; special topics.

Wednesday

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

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; medical information and investigations.

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 November 2):

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

Standard Tuition (register November 3-20):

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

Group discounts are available through November 2. Contact FELTG.

Class Materials

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to have the best chance to receive materials by the training date, please register by November 2 and provide a shipping address, and your materials will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. Registrations received after November 2 will also receive printed materials, which will be shipped Priority Mail when registration is received; they may not arrive in time for the training.



 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex 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 November 2.

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

Nov
17
Tue
Webinar Series – FELTG’s Fall 2020 Webinars
Nov 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Bob Woods, Barbara Haga, Joe Schimansky

Series Description

These are demanding times. Even if your agency isn’t laser-focused on pandemic-related efforts, it is most certainly challenged to meet its mission while managing the burdens and stresses of a workplace changed by the coronavirus crisis.

Meanwhile, new issues arise that make navigating the complex and always-changing landscape of federal employment law even more difficult.

FELTG’s fall webinar series provides an opportunity to re-center your efforts, while you re-educate yourself on key legal concepts impacting today’s federal workplace.

Over eight 60-minute webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from harassment to age discrimination, from medical removals to the new Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, from performance and disciplinary documents to whistleblower reprisal, as well as legal updates and recent case law involving EEO and labor relations. Register now for one, a few, or all of the courses in the series.

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET. Click on any webinar title for a full description.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made October 4 or later)
  • Register for all eight webinars by October 3 and pay only $1825!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis. Have a bunch of teleworkers? Contact FELTG for group discounts.

Dec
1
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Advanced Employee Relations
Dec 1 – Dec 3 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Let’s face it: being a federal sector Employee Relations Specialist is a tough job. It’s great to know the basics, but the basics don’t always help you when you’re facing complicated or challenging situations. That’s when you realize that there is much more to learn. No worries. The FELTG Virtual Training Institute presents Advanced Employee Relations, a three-day seminar focused on immersing you in the employee relations training you need most.

You’ll receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, disability accommodation, and more. Plus, interactive workshops will allow you to leave with the tools you’ll need to succeed. And it will all be taught by FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga, one of the most experienced federal employee relations professionals you’ll ever meet.

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

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday, December 1

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, December 2

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, December 3

Misconduct and Other Related Issues: Implementation of a successful disciplinary program – delegation of authority, role of advisors, warnings and cautions, use of administrative leave. Nexus. Dealing with comparators in determining a penalty. Involuntary actions – resignations and retirements. Ordering and Offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, disability retirement, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.

Pricing

    • Early Bird Tuition (register by November 15):
      • 3 days = $1370
      • 2 days = $970
      • 1 day = $530

      Standard Tuition (register November 16 – December 3):

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

       

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to have the best chance to receive materials by the training date, please register by November 15 and provide a shipping address, and your materials will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. Registrations received after November 15 will also receive printed materials, which will be shipped Priority Mail when registration is received; they may not arrive in time for the training.

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through November 15.
Webinar Series – FELTG’s Fall 2020 Webinars
Dec 1 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Bob Woods, Barbara Haga, Joe Schimansky

Series Description

These are demanding times. Even if your agency isn’t laser-focused on pandemic-related efforts, it is most certainly challenged to meet its mission while managing the burdens and stresses of a workplace changed by the coronavirus crisis.

Meanwhile, new issues arise that make navigating the complex and always-changing landscape of federal employment law even more difficult.

FELTG’s fall webinar series provides an opportunity to re-center your efforts, while you re-educate yourself on key legal concepts impacting today’s federal workplace.

Over eight 60-minute webinars, FELTG’s experienced and knowledgeable instructors provide support on everything from harassment to age discrimination, from medical removals to the new Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, from performance and disciplinary documents to whistleblower reprisal, as well as legal updates and recent case law involving EEO and labor relations. Register now for one, a few, or all of the courses in the series.

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET. Click on any webinar title for a full description.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by October 3)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made October 4 or later)
  • Register for all eight webinars by October 3 and pay only $1825!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $40 per teleworker, on a space-available basis. Have a bunch of teleworkers? Contact FELTG for group discounts.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This