Written by the late Ernie Hadley, a practitioner before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for more than 25 years and lecturer on EEO practice, and Deryn Sumner, an attorney also practicing before the EEOC, EEO Counselors’ and Investigators’ Manual is written exclusively for counselors and investigators. This manual combines the EEOC's Part 1614 regulations and guidance with the authors' years of practical experience. New counselors and investigators will learn what they need to know, and seasoned counselors and investigators will gain fresh insights and techniques.

New in 2023:

• Incorporation of updates to Management Directive 110
• Up-to-date analysis regarding how to properly identify and investigate claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation, transgender and gender identity
• Current guidance on how to appropriately separate the EEO complaint program and investigations from the agency’s defensive function
• Practice tips based on actual cases from the EEOC’s Office of Federal Operations on what causes an investigation to be sent back as deficient or incomplete

The information is comprehensive, and the book is divided into three separate sections:

Section 1: Introduction to Discrimination Law and Practice

• The EEO Statutes and Process—the statutes enforced by the EEOC, the EEO administrative process, the EEOC class complaint process and civil actions
• Theories of Discrimination—intentional discrimination, disparate or adverse impact discrimination, reasonable accommodation, hostile work environment, and reprisal
• Remedies For Discrimination—reinstatement, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, non-monetary relief, and attorney fees and costs

Section 2: EEO Counselor’s Role

• The EEO Counselor’s Role—the importance of neutrality, the EEO counselor’s responsibilities, and what the counselor should not do
• The Initial Interview—counselor contact, and format for initial interview
• Identifying and Defining The Claims—definition of “claim,” identifying the claims, and review of claims with complainant
• Factfinding During Counseling—purposes, guidance, and sources of information
• Resolution of Complaints—defining resolution, strategies and techniques for resolution, and drafting agreements
• Interviewing Techniques—planning for and starting the interview, how to frame questions and focus the interview, concluding the interview, and how to deal with representatives
• MSPB Appeals and Grievances—negotiated grievance procedure, MSPB appeals, and other processes
• The EEO Counselor’s Report—its purpose and elements, the principles of report writing, and a sample counselor’s report

Section 3: EEO Investigator’s Manual

• The EEO Investigator’s Role—the investigator’s responsibilities, investigation time limits, and what an investigator does not do
• Investigative Principles—objectivity, thoroughness, and cooperation
• Determining the Scope of the Investigation—defining and distinguishing the claims and claims raised during the investigation
• Types of Evidence—characteristics of evidence and evidence related to remedies
• Collecting Evidence—testimony, techniques for obtaining testimony, documents, and the types of evidence needed according to the claims and bases raised
• Report of Investigation—purpose, content, and format

Also included is a detailed table of contents. Appendices include 29 CFR 1614 and MD-110, Chapters 2 and 6; and appendices A and B.

Also available as a .pdf file on a CD-ROM or as an ebook for instant download.

Related Items

(2012) A Federal EEO Counselor's Manual (.pdf download)

This how-to handbook traces the EEO counselor’s responsibilities through the complaint process, including assembling information and interacting with the complainant and managers. Major topics include an overview of EEO laws, regulations and prohibited forms of discrimination; the complaint process; the initial interview; the inquiry; presentation and resolution; report writing; appeals and grievances; and sexual harassment. (more details)

---