SMG 1117.7

FDA STAFF MANUAL GUIDES, VOLUME I - ORGANIZATIONS AND FUNCTIONS

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER

OFFICE OF OPERATIONS

OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)

AND DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

Effective Date: 01/13/2009

1. OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) AND DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT (DAME).

A. Advises and assists the Commissioner and other key officials on equal employment opportunity (EEO), Diversity, and Civil Rights activities which impact on policy development and execution of program goals.

B. Serves as the Agency focal point and liaison to the Department, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and other organizations regarding EEO, Diversity, and Civil Rights matters.

C. Develops and recommends policies and priorities designed to implement the intent of the Office of Personnel Management, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Services requirements under Executive Orders, regulations, EEO and Civil Rights legislation.

D. Provides leadership, direction, and technical guidance to the Agency on EEO, Diversity, and Civil Rights matters.

E. Develops plans, programs, and procedures designed to assure the prompt adjudication of complaints of alleged discrimination based on race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, handicap, and sexual orientation.

F. Develops and oversees Agency diversity initiatives and the diversity databank.

G. Provides alternative dispute resolution and mediation services as needed. Addresses all workplace disputes, including those not within the parameter of EEO.

H. Develops and maintains training and technical assistance for Agency EEO specialists, counselors, special emphasis/program representatives, employees, supervisory personnel, and other key officials.

I. Examines the use and impact of administrative mechanisms on work assignments, pay systems, award systems, performance appraisal systems, promotion patterns, reorganization impacts, delegations of authority, management controls, information and documentation systems, and similar functions of management as they impact upon equal employment opportunities for all employees within the Agency.

J. Develops, implements, and monitors the Agency's Affirmative Employment Plan and directs the Agency's Affirmative Employment programs to achieve specific objectives.

K. Issues policies, publications and information dissemination services to Agency employees including Commissioner Policy Statements, brochures, the EEO Counselors Manual, etc.

L. Develops labor-management partnerships on EEO and Diversity matters. Provides sign language interpreting services and manages the interpreting services contracts.

2. CONFLICT PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION STAFF (DAME1).

A. Provides confidential, informal assistance to employees and managers in resolving work-related concerns.

B. Develops and coordinates effective dispute resolution processes and procedures.

C. Offers a variety of services and programs to address likely sources of conflict such as performance appraisals, harassment, mentoring relationships, and scientific collaboration.

D. Operates as a neutral, independent, and confidential resource providing informal assistance to FDA scientists, administrators, and support staff in addressing work-related issues and designated to assist in resolving conflicts, addressing concerns prior to and within established grievances processes.

E. Provides a neutral and impartial resource where employees call candidly discuss issues and explore options informally.

3. AUTHORITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE.

The functional statements for this Office were approved by the Commissioner, Food and Drugs, effective January 13, 2009.

STATUS (I, R, C)	DATE APPROVED	LOCATION OF CHANGE HISTORY	CONTACT	APPROVING OFFICIAL
Initial	01/13/2009	N/a	OC/OO/OM/OMP	Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration