Upcoming Open Enrollment Training Sessions
Download Individual Registration Form
Note: In the event COVID-19 makes it unsafe to hold this class in person, the program will be held virtually. Registration MUST be received by July 5 in order to guarantee a seat.
Event Description
The pandemic has become endemic, and many employees are returning physically to the office as a new form of hybrid workplace takes root in many agencies. It’s as imperative as ever that your employees are doing the work they are assigned to do and following all workplace rules, regardless of where they are physically located. Unfortunately, Federal supervisors continue to struggle when it comes to holding employees accountable for performance and conduct in the new hybrid environment.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
FELTG is here to make federal supervisors’ and advisers’ lives easier by clarifying common misconceptions. For example: 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. (Spoiler alert: This is not true).
More importantly, FELTG’s Developing & Defending Discipline: Holding Federal Employees Accountable teaches supervisors 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 adviser throughout the EEO process.
This training will include the most up-to-date guidance based on President Biden’s Federal workplace Executive Orders and OPM regulations, as well as all of the lessons learned over the pandemic, plus practical tips from new MSPB case law.
And … this training will mark the return of FELTG to in-person open enrollment training.
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 8:30 – 4:00 each day and meets OPM’s mandatory training requirements for federal supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b). CDC and local COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed.
Enrollment is limited to ensure a little extra space per attendee, so register soon.
Instructors
Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson
Download Individual Registration Form
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Session 1: Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I
Presented by Deborah 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 present in every discipline case
- Recognize the supervisor’s and advisor’s roles in disciplinary procedures and appeals
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Session 2: Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II
Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President
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 document and justify the decision to put an employee on a performance demonstration period, implementing 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, July 14, 2022
Session 3: Defending Against Discrimination Complaints: The Supervisor’s Role in EEO
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 28):
- 3 days = $1495
- 2 days = $1020
- 1 day = $560
Standard Tuition (register June 29-July 14):
- 3 days = $1595
- 2 days = $1120
- 1 day = $660
Seminar registration includes a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins.
Metro, Parking, Directions
Metro: The International Student House (1825 R Street NW) is located in convenient proximity to the Red Line. Exit Metro at the Dupont Circle station and proceed to the Q Street/North exit. Head north (you will come off the escalator facing north; if you use the elevator take a left after exiting) on Connecticut Avenue to R Street NW (approximately one block). Turn right onto R Street NW. Cross 19th Street NW and the International Student House will be on the left side of the street approximately halfway down the block. If you reach the Bikeshare dock, you’ve gone too far. Approximate travel time on foot, by wheelchair or scooter: 7-10 minutes.
Parking: Street parking is metered and is limited to two hours, unless you have a Washington, DC, Zone 2 parking pass. The closest parking garage is at 11 Dupont Circle, approximately two blocks from the International Student House (1825 R Street NW). Approximate travel time on foot, by wheelchair or scooter: 5 -7 minutes.
From the Lyle Hotel: After exiting the Lyle Hotel, turn left. At the first intersection, R Street NW, turn right. Proceed approximately one block. The International Student House (1825 R Street NW) will be on your right, just past the Bikeshare dock. Approximate travel time on foot, by wheelchair or scooter: 4-6 minutes.
Download Individual Registration Form
Note: In the event COVID-19 makes it unsafe to hold this class in person, the program will be held virtually.
Employee relations professionals: There’s one place where you can get the kind of comprehensive, interactive, foundational-based training necessary to handle the most challenging and complicated situations.
And that is FELTG’s Advanced Employee Relations, and it returns once again this year to Norfolk, Va.
Taught by FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga, Advanced ER offers in-depth training on leave, performance,,and misconduct with on-hands workshops that allow you to develop the tools you’ll need to succeed.
Great training. Great instructor. Great location. Register now.
The program runs 8:30 – 4:30 each day.
Instructor
Daily Agenda:
Tuesday, August 4
Leave and Attendance: Administering leave, with particular emphasis on sick leave, LWOP, and FMLA. Detailed review of sick leave provisions including authorized purposes for use of sick leave, limitations on use of sick leave for family care and bereavement, eligibility to use leave for care, notice requirements, acceptable documentation. Management actions to control use of leave and abuse of sick leave. Detailed review of FMLA provisions including eligibility to invoke FMLA, entitlement, coverage of family members, administration and notice requirements. Acceptable medical documentation under FMLA, definition of serious health condition. Substitution of paid leave, including Paid Parental Leave. Discipline tied to FMLA. LWOP – when LWOP is mandatory, limits on granting LWOP, employee status while on extended LWOP. Other topics –issues related to annual leave and leave transfer, other leave entitlements.
Wednesday, August 3
Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance. GEAR initiative and other efforts focused on modifying Federal performance management system. Requirements for performance plans, including design of agency systems, rating schemes, and procedures for conducting appraisals. Linkage between appraisal and other personnel management decisions, including reduction-in-force and within-grade increases. Writing effective and measurable performance criteria that will withstand third-party review, including a workshop where participants will do an in-depth review of performance plans. Requirements for successful performance-based actions – from drafting a PIP notice that will withstand scrutiny to conducting a bona fide PIP to ensuring that due process is met in effecting an action on unacceptable performance.
Thursday, August 4
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 July 18):
- 3 days = $1450
- 2 days = $995
- 1 day = $530
Standard Tuition (register July 19 – August 4):
- 3 days = $1550
- 2 days = $1095
- 1 day = $630
Lodging
The hotel has a limited block of rooms reserved for the event at the federal per diem rate. Please use this link and reference FELTG when booking.
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.
Registration Coming Soon
Attention, all federal supervisors (and those who advise them): this is a program you can’t afford to miss. This week covers a range of topics including employee accountability for conduct and performance, managing leave abuse, handling EEO complaints, reasonable accommodation, workplace management and leadership skills, and managing difficult employees.
Supervisors who complete this training meet OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).
The program runs 8:30 – 4:00 each day.
Instructors
TBD
Daily Agenda:
Monday
Uncivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Conduct: Fundamentals of disciplinary actions; establishing rules of conduct; proving misconduct; selecting a defensible penalty; providing due process via agency discipline procedures; drafting disciplinary documents; alternatives to discipline.
Tuesday
The Supervisor’s Role in EEO: The role of EEO in the federal government; defining protected categories: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information and reprisal; documentation to help you defend against frivolous complaints; what to do if you’re a Responding Management Official in a complaint.
Wednesday
Maximizing Accountability in Performance: Eliminating unnecessary barriers to addressing poor performance; analyzing your existing appraisal systems; writing clear, measurable, and enforceable performance standards; Within Grade Increases (WIGIs); eliminating unacceptable performance requirements that are not based on law/regulation; employee opportunity periods.
Thursday
Handling Employee Leave Issues: An overview of leave types and entitlements; annual leave; sick leave; AWOL and Leave Without Pay; FMLA crash course; medical certification requirements; substitution of paid leave; handling complicated leave issues; leave abuse.
Friday
Effectively Managing Today’s Federal Workforce: Communicating effectively with employees; managing teleworkers; managing a multigenerational workforce; handling difficult employees; mentorship.
Supervisors who attend the full week will receive a certificate verifying participation in OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors, found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).
Pricing
Coming soon.
Registered participants will receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant, fifth edition, by Wiley and Hopkins.
Lodging: The host hotel, the Palmer House, has a limited number of rooms available at the federal per diem rate. Please contact the hotel directly at 312-726-7500 and mention this event to check rate availability.
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.