Sexual and Other Forms of Harassment

	Sexual and Other Forms of Harassment EPA Workplace Harassment Problem Resolution Lobbying and Political Activities

Sexual and other forms of workplace harassment based upon race, age, sex, national origin, disability or religion will not be tolerated by the NOWCC SEE Program. All complaints made will be investigated promptly, fairly and thoroughly. The NOWCC SEE Program is responsible for investigating claims made by enrollees as well as claims made against enrollees. Harassment is a form of discrimination and is an unlawful workplace practice as interpreted by the courts under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Sexual harassment involves behavior with sexual overtones which is unwelcome. It may include verbal behavior such as offensive comments, suggestions, jokes, sex-oriented labels or pressure for sexual favors. Sexual harassment may also include physical behavior such as touching, feeling, patting or deliberate brushing against others in a sexual manner. Verbal or physical conduct constitutes harassment when any or all of the following occur:

The conduct is an element in a decision to enroll or release an individual.
The conduct is a factor in decisions related to the assignment of position duties.
The conduct interferes with an individual's performance or normal interpersonal relationships at work.
The conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment for the individual.

To file a complaint of harassment:

The enrollee should notify the person who is being accused of harassment, state the nature of the offending activity, say that it is unwelcome and that it must stop.
If the enrollee is uncomfortable notifying the person accused of harassment, the assistance of the monitor and/or NOWCC Field Office may be requested.

NOTE: IN MANY INSTANCES ONE OF THE ABOVE COURSES MAY BE SUFFICIENT TO END THE MATTER WITHOUT THE NEED FOR A FORMAL COMPLAINT. HOWEVER, THIS WILL NOT PRECLUDE A DECISION TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION IN SITUATIONS WHERE MANAGEMENT OR THE HARASSED ENROLLEE BELIEVES THIS STEP IS NECESSARY.

If the enrollee is accusing a monitor of harassment, the assistance of the NOWCC Field Office may be requested.
If the above-mentioned informal attempts to resolve the situation are not satisfactory, the enrollee should submit a written complaint to the NOWCC Field Office who will be responsible for investigating the complaint and responding to the enrollee in a reasonable period of time.
If the enrollee initiating the complaint feels that the situation is still unresolved, he/she may appeal concerns within a reasonable period of time to the NOWCC Director, Participant Relations, whose decision can be appealed to the NOWCC President and CEO, whose decision will be final.

EPA Workplace Harassment

Click here to read EPA's procedure for addressing allegations of workplace harassment. All enrollees shall be treated fairly and equitably without discrimination. The purpose of attached order is to prevent and address incidents of harassment (as defined in attached) in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA or agency) workplace and to provide a consistent and effective procedure for responding to allegations of harassment.

Problem Resolution

The NOWCC SEE Program has a policy of promoting an appropriate work environment for enrollees. It is not suitable for an enrollee to be subjected to harassment, poor sanitation, dangerous conditions, lack of proper instruction on how to perform the assignment or unresolved personal conflicts that interfere with assignment completion.

Enrollees experiencing difficulties should follow this procedure:

The enrollee should first request a meeting with the monitor to explain the situation and to request assistance. If the situation remains unresolved after the meeting with the monitor, the enrollee should contact the NOWCC Field Office immediately.
In the event the problem remains unresolved after a reasonable period of time, and after thorough communication with the monitor and the NOWCC Field Office, a written appeal may be directed to the NOWCC Director, Participant Relations who shall consider all aspects of the problem objectively, carefully and promptly.
If there is no satisfactory resolution after 10 business days, a written appeal may be made to the President and CEO of NOWCC, who may require an investigation by assigned individuals, and will render a decision within 10 business days. The NOWCC President and CEO's decision shall be final.

The NOWCC SEE Program is operated and administered in full recognition of, and in compliance with, the intent of the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

Lobbying and Political Activities

NOWCC SEE Program enrollees are paid from federal funds and may participate freely in the political process with the following exceptions:

Enrollees may not engage in political activities (partisan or non-partisan) while on duty or during their assignment hours unless they are on approved unpaid leave.
Enrollees may not present themselves as spokespersons for the NOWCC or the SEE Program while engaged in partisan or non-partisan political activity.

Questions may be directed to your NOWCC Field Office.

Work Etiquette Document/Info (Dress code, virtual meetings, etc.)

Click here to view document.

Telecommuting & Telework:

Telecommuting and Teleworking are at the discretion of the agency and monitor. Enrollees must have portable work in order to work remotely. Remote arrangements can end any time at the discretion of the agency or NOWCC.

Telecommuting is an arrangement where an enrollee is assigned to work at an agency office but is given permission to work some of the time outside the agency office, typically at a home office. Telecommuting arrangements typically are put into place after an enrollee who has worked in their office location for a period of time, makes a request or receives a request to work some time out of a home office.

Teleworking is an arrangement where an enrollee is not assigned to work at an agency office but instead works outside the agency office, typically at a home office. Teleworking arrangements occur either at the outset of an enrollee’s enrollment usually as described in the Position Description.

NOWCC telecommuting or telework forms must be completed, if applicable.
Enrollees must follow agency and NOWCC guidelines for telecommuting and teleworking. Specific policies and flexibilities that apply to federal employees do not necessarily apply to enrollees (who are not federal employees).

The agency determines what equipment can be taken by the enrollees for use outside of the agency’s office. Equipment requests during telecommuting are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.