Short Course Description
New EEO Investigator Training
This instructor-led course equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to serve effectively as Equal Employment Opportunity investigators. The program aligns with applicable EEOC training requirements and examines federal EEO law, investigative methodology, evidence development, report preparation, and the federal-sector EEO complaint process.
Date: View Upcoming Sessions
Duration: 32 Clock Hours
Delivery Options: Live Online or In-Person, Instructor-Led
In-Person Location: Arlington, Virginia
Credits: Certificate of Completion and 3.2 IACET CEUs
Student Resources: View Travel Information, Online Attendance Guidance, Training Preparation, and FAQs
Course Overview
Participants will learn how to plan, conduct, document, and summarize impartial EEO investigations in accordance with federal-sector requirements. The course combines legal and procedural instruction with practical investigative techniques that prepare participants to address real-world workplace discrimination and harassment matters.
Course Objectives
The course is designed to help participants:
- Understand foundational EEO laws, legal theories, and prohibited bases of discrimination.
- Navigate the federal-sector EEO complaint process under 29 C.F.R. Part 1614.
- Identify and apply appropriate models of proof in discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and reasonable-accommodation cases.
- Understand the legal and procedural issues involved in disability discrimination matters.
- Develop a complete and efficient investigative plan.
- Use effective methods to gather documents, testimony, medical information, and other relevant evidence.
- Conduct structured interviews and obtain reliable affidavits.
- Maintain neutrality and impartiality throughout the investigation.
- Prepare complete, accurate, and well-organized investigative records.
- Draft clear and concise investigative summaries.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
Foundational EEO Concepts
- Define and explain major federal EEO laws and the theories that support them.
- Recognize the categories of discrimination prohibited by federal law.
- Distinguish among disparate treatment, adverse impact, harassment, retaliation, and reasonable-accommodation claims.
Federal-Sector EEO Process
- Explain the stages of the federal EEO complaint process under 29 C.F.R. Part 1614.
- Differentiate between the informal counseling stage and the formal complaint stage.
- Identify the investigator’s role, responsibilities, deadlines, and documentation requirements.
Models of Proof
- Determine the appropriate model of proof for different employment discrimination scenarios.
- Evaluate testimonial, documentary, comparative, and circumstantial evidence.
- Identify missing evidence and determine what additional information is necessary to complete the record.
Disability Discrimination
- Identify the elements involved in disability discrimination claims.
- Evaluate reasonable-accommodation issues under applicable federal requirements.
- Recognize when medical documentation or other supporting information may be relevant.
Investigative Planning
- Design an investigative plan tailored to the claims, issues, and defenses in a particular case.
- Identify witnesses, documents, comparators, and other relevant evidence.
- Prioritize investigative actions to improve efficiency and completeness.
Information Gathering
- Use effective techniques to request and obtain relevant documents and records.
- Conduct focused and professional witness interviews.
- Prepare clear questions and obtain complete, reliable affidavits.
- Gather medical and confidential information appropriately when relevant.
Impartial Documentation
- Document the investigative process without bias or advocacy.
- Maintain a complete and accurate record of evidence collected.
- Organize the Report of Investigation in a clear and logical manner.
- Ensure that investigative materials are consistent with applicable EEOC standards.
Investigative Summarization
- Draft clear, concise, and informative investigative summaries.
- Identify and organize the central facts and disputed issues.
- Present evidence objectively without making unauthorized findings or legal conclusions.
- Highlight any gaps, inconsistencies, or unresolved evidentiary issues in the record.
Instructor(s)
