The Federal EEO Process Series systematically presents the basic steps of the EEO process, explains the practical implications of EEO complaints and how to avoid EEO pitfalls. Taken in its entirety, this series prepares you to professionally handle EEO complaints, prepare cases for litigation, effectively counsel employees, and advise management so that formal EEO complaints will be kept to a minimum and so the agency will avoid liability when complaints are made.

Course #1: Overview of the Federal EEO Process -- explains the basic steps for handling EEO complaints from start to finish. You get guidance to:

• Avoid formal complaints whenever possible
• Use the ADR process when appropriate
• Explain the consequences to an agency of liability under EEO law and of failure to comply with the process
• Advise management on the handling of individual violators of EEO law

Course #2: The Informal Process: EEO Counseling -- teaches you the role and responsibilities of the EEO Counselor in the federal sector. You’ll learn how to:

• Inform aggrieved parties of their rights and responsibilities
• Effectively conduct EEO inquiries and work toward the early resolution of complaints
• Conduct the final interview
• Write an EEO counseling report

Course #3: The Federal EEO Process: Addressing Special Concerns -- explores situations that fall out of the “norm,” including the role of settlements, how the EEO processes relate to employee relations through mixed cases involving MSPB’s jurisdiction, as well as how complaints become certified for class-action status and the implications. Plus, you’ll learn how to:

• Apply grounds for dismissal, such as failure to state a claim, untimeliness and abuse of process
• Avoid pitfalls in settlements presented by lack of consideration, duress, and the rules of the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act
• Handle EEO-related grievances when unions are involved

Course #4: Investigating EEO Complaints -- prepares you to effectively conduct EEO investigations. This course familiarizes you with the regulations under 29 CFR 1614.108 that govern EEO investigations, plus explains:

• The employee’s rights and obligations
• How to avoid compromising investigations by understanding how to respect the rights of all concerned
• The advantages and disadvantages of contracting out investigations