Informal Complaint Process

Once an EEO Counselor has been notified of a complaint, their role is to:

• Explain the EEO complaint process to you and advise you, in writing, of your rights, roles, and responsibilities.
• Listen and help you precisely identify your claims of employment discrimination or harassment.
• Inform you about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
• Conduct a limited, fact-finding inquiry (not an investigation) into your allegations.
• Discuss your concerns with an appropriate official who has the authority to resolve your allegations.
• Attempt to resolve your concerns informally.
• Report to the Bureau EEO Officer about their activities.

EEO Counselors will also discuss your allegations with appropriate officials, using your name only with your permission. During the informal stage, you have the right to remain anonymous.

You have the right to be represented at any stage of the process of your complaint, including the informal stage. Generally, you may select any person to represent you, including an attorney. If you are an employee of DOI, you and your representative are entitled to a reasonable amount of official time to prepare and present your complaint.

Your EEO Counselor has 30 calendar days from when you report your allegation to attempt an informal resolution. If you agree, in writing, to such an extension, the 30-day period for EEO counseling may be extended up to an additional 60 calendar days.

You may pursue an informal solution through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. The EEO Counselor will discuss this option with you. The goal of the EEO Counselor is to facilitate an informal resolution of the matter between the parties when possible. A trained mediator from either inside or outside DOI may be assigned to mediate your claim. The mediator is a neutral, objective, and impartial problem solver who can assist you and management in joint problem-solving. If you agree to participate in ADR, the informal stage will last a maximum of 90 calendar days.

If your claim still needs to be resolved during the informal stage or during the ADR, you will be provided, in writing, with a Notice of Final Interview and a Notice of Right to File a Formal Complaint of Discrimination against DOI.