# Federal HR Execution and Decision-Making for Supervisors and Managers Course

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/federal-hr-execution-and-decision-making-for-supervisors-and-managers-course>

## Overview

Federal HR Execution & Decision-Making is designed for federal supervisors and managers who play a direct role in staffing, performance management, and employee conduct decisions. Building on foundational compliance and risk awareness concepts, this course focuses on applying federal HR rules and principles to day-to-day management actions.

Participants will explore how position management, classification, hiring, performance management, and employee relations decisions intersect with legal and procedural risk. Emphasis is placed on understanding supervisor responsibilities versus HR roles, documenting decisions appropriately, and avoiding common pitfalls that lead to grievances, appeals, or audit findings.

Through structured modules, learners examine merit promotion principles, recruitment strategies, performance planning, and the handling of performance and conduct issues. The course also addresses due process requirements, progressive discipline, and the Douglas Factors, ensuring participants understand both procedural fairness and management accountability.

By the end of the course, participants are better equipped to initiate, support, and document HR actions that align with federal law and policy, strengthen workforce outcomes, and withstand oversight and review.

## What you'll learn

- Apply position management and classification principles to accurately describe and organize federal positions
- Distinguish supervisor and HR roles in staffing and classification decisions
- Execute merit-based hiring actions while avoiding prohibited practices
- Develop and manage performance plans, expectations, and documentation
- Identify and address performance problems using counseling, assistance, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)
- Apply progressive discipline principles and the Douglas Factors to conduct issues
- Support HR decisions with proper documentation and due process awareness

## Prerequisites

Completion of the [Federal HR Compliance and Risk Awareness for Supervisors and Managers](https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/federal-hr-compliance-and-risk-awareness-for-supervisors-and-managers) course or equivalent supervisory experience and demonstrated familiarity with federal HR compliance principles (as determined by the agency).

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Organizing, Describing, and Classifying Positions

- Explain core position management principles and their impact on workforce structure.
- Develop and update accurate position descriptions.
- Distinguish supervisor responsibilities from HR responsibilities in classification.
- Identify common classification risks and challenges.

#### Module 2.1: Filling Vacancies (Part 1)

- Explain merit promotion principles.
- Identify appropriate recruitment strategies and hiring authorities.
- Understand area of consideration and eligibility requirements.
- Recognize the basics of veterans’ preference.

#### Module 2.2: Filling Vacancies (Part 2)

- Apply sound selection processes and documentation practices.
- Use interviews and assessment tools appropriately.
- Avoid prohibited hiring practices.

#### Module 3: Performance Management

- Develop performance plans and critical elements.
- Establish clear performance expectations.
- Monitor and document employee performance.
- Provide effective feedback and recognition.

#### Module 4: Managing Performance Problems

- Differentiate between performance and conduct issues.
- Apply counseling and assistance strategies.
- Understand the purpose and structure of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).

#### Module 5: Handling Conduct Problems

- Distinguish misconduct from unacceptable performance.
- Apply principles of progressive discipline.
- Understand and apply the Douglas Factors.
- Recognize due process requirements.

#### Module 6: Other HR Issues

- Manage leave, schedules, and workplace flexibility.
- Address workplace conflict and employee relations issues.
- Identify emerging HR challenges.

## Schedule
- Jun 24, 2026 – Jun 26, 2026 — Live Online
- Jul 22, 2026 – Jul 24, 2026 — Live Online
- Aug 12, 2026 – Aug 14, 2026 — Live Online
- Sep 16, 2026 – Sep 18, 2026 — Live Online
- Oct 14, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 16, 2026 – Nov 18, 2026 — Live Online
- Dec 2, 2026 – Dec 4, 2026 — Live Online

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1399