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Guide to Filing EEO Complaint
CSOSA is committed to providing equal employment opportunity; to eliminating discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation;* to maintaining a work environment which is free from any form of unlawful discrimination, including sexual harassment; to promoting a progressive affirmative action program for achieving a representative workforce; and to providing a prompt, fair, and impartial review and adjudication of discrimination complaints.
- How do I file an EEO complaint?
- How soon after the discriminatory act do I have to contact a counselor?
- How do I contact an EEO Counselor?
- May I bring a representative?
- Do I have to disclose my identity?
- How long does the informal process take?
- What happens during the counseling stage?
- Do I have any other alternatives?
- What happens if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of EEO counseling or ADR?
- How and where do I file a formal complaint?
- What happens after I file the formal complaint?
First, you must contact an EEO Counselor through the CSOSA/PSA's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Special Programs (OEEO).
HOW SOON AFTER THE DISCRIMINATORY ACT DO I HAVE TO CONTACT A COUNSELOR?
You must contact the OEEO within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory act.
HOW DO I CONTACT AN EEO COUNSELOR?
Call or come by the OEEO located at 655 15th Street, NW, Suite 840, Washington, DC (202) 442-1680. The OEEO will put you in contact with an EEO Counselor.
You have the right to be accompanied, represented and advised by a representative of your choice throughout the complaint process. However, the EEO Counselor and certain other agency employees cannot serve as your representative.
DO I HAVE TO DISCLOSE MY IDENTITY?
You may remain anonymous during the counseling process. If you file a formal complaint, however, your complaint is not confidential.
HOW LONG DOES THE INFORMAL PROCESS TAKE?
Informal counseling must be completed within 30 days, unless extended for not more than 60 days.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE COUNSELING STAGE?
Your EEO Counselor will attempt to resolve your complaint by fact-finding, gathering information and reviewing any documentation, if necessary. He or she may also interview management officials and any other witnesses.
DO I HAVE ANY OTHER ALTERNATIVES?
Yes. You may choose to have your concerns resolved through a process called Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR utilizes mediation techniques as a means of discussing and resolving your complaint. If you choose ADR, then you will have 90 days to complete the process before having a final interview with the EEO Counselor. Your EEO Counselor can tell you more about the ADR program. If a covered employee, you may also be entitled to have your concerns addressed through the Agency collective bargaining agreement.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM DISSATISFIED WITH THE OUTCOME OF EEO COUNSELING OR ADR?
If your concern is not resolved, you may file a formal EEO complaint within 15 calendar days of your receipt of the final interview notice from your EEO Counselor.
HOW AND WHERE DO I FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT?
You may obtain a formal Discrimination Complaint form from your EEO Counselor or from the EEO Office. Complaints may be filed by U.S. Mail, Federal Express, Hand Delivery or via e-mail (scanned copy) to:
Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity,
Diversity and Special Programs
655 15th Street, NW, Suite 840
Washington, DC 20005Email complaint form to:
Vern Best, Director
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I FILE THE FORMAL COMPLAINT?
If the allegations in your complaint are accepted, an independent investigation will occur within 180 days of your filing a complaint. You may then choose between receiving a final agency decision or requesting a hearing before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
*If you raise an issue of discrimination based on sexual orientation, and you are not satisfied with the resolution obtained during the informal stage, you must appeal to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel or to the Merit Systems Protection Board. (Talk to the OEEO or your EEO Counselor for more information).
Additional Information:
Learn more about CSOSA
Employment Information
As a Federal agency with a local mission, CSOSA provides challenging work that affects the public safety of the neighborhoods in the District of Columbia.
