# Federal Employee Relations Course (Basic) (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/federal-employee-relations-course-basic-self-paced>

## Overview

This course provides an introduction to the world of federal employee relations for those who need to learn about the fundamental principles and policies that govern the basic rights and responsibilities of agency employees in areas such as probationary periods, performance management and awards, discipline, conduct problems, leaves of absence, and other aspects of federal employee relations.

## What you'll learn

- Describe the laws and principles that encompass employee relations.
- Outline the rights and responsibilities of the parties in employee relations matters.
- Identify the differences between performance and conduct.
- Discuss employee and supervisory probationary periods.
- Outline the investigation process.
- Describe the procedures for taking disciplinary actions.
- Outline the performance process and take performance-based actions.
- Identify procedures and case law for dealing with leave issues, including dealing with excessive leave use.
- Define the need and procedures for requesting medical documentation for accommodation issues and disability determinations.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Foundation of Employee Relations

- Differentiate the competitive and excepted services and where ER issues arise.
- Navigate governing sources: United States Code, Code of Federal Regulations, and agency rules.
- Apply merit system principles and prohibited personnel practices as the ER framework.
- Identify the roles of OPM, MSPB, EEOC, OSC, FLRA, and grievance systems in ER matters.

#### Module 2: Basic Workplace Rights in Employee Relations Matters

- Define management rights (set expectations, assign/reassign work, enforce conduct, ensure attendance and safety).
- Explain employee rights (pay, leave, safe and nondiscriminatory workplace, privacy, “obey now—grieve later” limits).
- Use case examples to distinguish proper discipline from protected activity or rights violations.
- Recognize residual rights and how agency policies/CBA terms shape daily practice.

#### Module 3: Distinguishing Between Conduct and Performance Problems

- Decide conduct vs. performance using standards, elements, and evidence burdens (preponderance vs. substantial).
- Link conduct to rules/standards and performance to critical elements and PIPs.
- Know when Chapter 75 may address performance (e.g., safety, legal violations, self-certification).
- Apply practical guidelines for choosing the correct route and avoiding mitigation pitfalls.

#### Module 4: The Probationary Period

- Explain length, coverage, and how breaks in service/prior service credit affect probation.
- Follow proper procedures for termination during probation (pre- vs. post-appointment reasons).
- Address absences during probation and their treatment toward completion.
- Apply special rules for supervisory/managerial probation and limited appeal/grievance rights.

#### Module 5: The Investigation

- Collect and evaluate physical, written, demonstrative, and testimonial evidence.
- Plan interviews and address uncooperative witnesses, credibility issues, and representation.
- Avoid common interview problems and document findings effectively.
- Handle resignations during an ongoing investigation and preserve the record.

#### Module 6: Adverse Action Principles and Procedures

- Differentiate informal vs. formal discipline and use tables of penalties appropriately.
- Build actions around the charge, nexus, burden of proof, and penalty considerations.
- Provide due process (notice, reply, decision) and manage duty status during actions.
- Time actions correctly and distinguish voluntary from constructive actions.

#### Module 7: Performance Appraisal and Taking Performance-Based Actions

- Understand performance systems and plan components; evaluate plans for clarity and measurability.
- Apply performance expectations, ratings, and treatment of unsatisfactory performers.
- Address WIGIs, PIPs, and post-PIP options consistent with Chapter 43/432 requirements.
- Document performance evidence that supports defensible actions.

#### Module 8: Types of Leave and Their Application

- Administer administrative, annual, sick, FMLA, wounded warrior, and LWOP appropriately.
- Address approval/advancement rules, restoration, and restricted sick leave.
- Manage AWOL, leave abuse, and excessive absence using established criteria (e.g., Cook).
- Balance program needs with employee rights and documentation requirements.

#### Module 9: Medical Issues and Reasonable Accommodation

- Request and evaluate medical documentation under applicable definitions and privacy rules.
- Process reasonable accommodation requests, including undue hardship analysis.
- Differentiate conduct/performance issues from medical inability to perform.
- Make and document medical inability determinations that withstand review.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1049