The Role of the EEO Counselor
The Equal Employment
Opportunity (EEO) Counselor plays a vital role in the complaints process. The
Counselor establishes an open and objective channel through which employees
may raise questions, find answers, discuss problems, and obtain resolution to
employment discrimination conflicts. The Counselor is an informal problem
solver, factfinder, mediator, and bridge between employees and management.
The Counselor must be sensitive to the employment problems faced by all
employees (especially minorities, women, people with disabilities, and older
workers). The Counselor needs to be objective, communicate effectively, show
good judgment in handling sensitive information, and be able to secure the
confidence of both employees and management.
EEO counseling is the required first step in the EEO complaint process. EEO
counseling provides an opportunity for informal resolution at an early stage.
If the complaint is not resolved, the Counselor plays a vital role in ensuring
prompt and efficient processing of the formal complaint.
An aggrieved employee or applicant who believes they have been
discriminated against in their employment on the bases of race, color,
religion, sex (includes sexual harassment and sexual orientation), national
origin, age, or disability, or in retaliation for participating in EEO
activity must contact the EEO Office to request an EEO Counselor
within 45 calendar days
of the alleged discrimination or when they became aware of
it.
The EEO Counselor has six clearly defined duties:
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Advise the aggrieved person about the EEO complaint process under 29 CFR
Part 1614 and other avenues of relief.
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Determine the issues and EEO bases of the complaint.
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Conduct a limited inquiry to furnish information for settlement efforts
and determining jurisdiction if a formal complaint is filed.
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Seek a resolution at the lowest possible level.
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Document the resolution through a settlement agreement or a withdrawal.
If the complaint is not resolved or withdrawn, advise the complainant of the
right to file a formal discrimination complaint.
-
Prepare a report sufficient to determine that required counseling
actions have been taken and resolve any jurisdictional questions that may
arise.
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