The HR Collaborative for Local Government is again hosting its six-session summer virtual series, bringing in HR experts to discuss various employment hot topics. The series will kick off June 7, and each session will include a 45-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer period. 

Note for State's Attorneys, City Attorneys, etc.: Each session is CLE approved for 1.25 ND CLE credits. 

To register, go here: HR Collaborative North Dakota - Summer Training Registration (hrndgov.org). 

Here is the schedule and topics for this year's series:

Session 1

2-3:15 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, June 7
Q & A with ND Labor Commissioner Nathan Svihovec 
ND Labor Commissioner Nathan Svihovec 

Summary: 

The HR Collaborative’s Six-Session Summer Virtual Series will kick off at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, featuring a question-and-answer session with ND Labor Commissioner Nathan Svihovec.  

This first session will be moderated by a member of the HR Collaborative’s Technical Assistance Committee who will ask previously submitted attendee questions from 2-2:45 p.m. and then open it up for on-the-fly questions from 2:45-3:15 p.m.  

If you would like to submit a question for Svihovec to answer during this session, please send it to the HR Collaborative at [email protected] by Wednesday, May 17. 

Session 2

10-11:15 a.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, June 21
FOCUSED INTERVIEWING: Finding the Right Person
Chuck Horter, SHRM-CP
NDACo Human Resources Coordinator

Summary:

Objectives

• How to Analyze the Job
• Thorough Screening & Planning
• What can I legally ask in the interview?
• Theory vs. Behavior Based Interviews
• Examples of Behavioral Questions

Session 3

10-11:15 a.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, July 12
Understanding the ADA and Responding to Accommodation Requests
Brian D. Schmidt
Attorney at Law and Partner at Smith Porsborg Schweigert, Armstrong, Moldenhauer & Smith 

Summary:

The Americans With Disabilities Act is a complex area of law and the subject of many lawsuits against employers. This session will address ADA concepts and what the ADA requires employers to do once an accommodation is requested.  As a litigation attorney, Brian will explain the life of an ADA lawsuit and explain the important steps employers must follow to give themselves the best chance of success in an ADA lawsuit.  

Session 4

10-11:15 a.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, July 26
Remote Work 
Tanya Wieler
Walsh County Human Resource Coordinator, Dakota Dynamics HR Consultant 

Summary:

Depending who you ask, working remotely might be the best thing ever or a giant headache. Join us as we explore the pros and cons of this work arrangement, the various ways employers utilize remote work arrangements, and the specific tools you need to make it a success.

Session 5

10-11:15 a.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, Aug. 9
Supporting Workplace Well-Being
Katie Johnke, RDN, LRD, CLC
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Nutrition Services Coordinator

Summary:

Millions of people spend a large part of their day, and lifetime, at work, increasing the effect that workplaces have on employees’ mental health and well-being. When people thrive at work, they are more likely to feel physically and mentally healthy, overall, and to contribute positively to their workplace. Leaders have the opportunity to rethink how we work and create workplace environments that support employee health.

Session 6

10-11:15 a.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, Aug. 23
HR Collaborative Reference Guide Review + LocalGovU
Nancy Reis, SHRM-CP
NDIRF Administrative Services Manager

Joanna Drennen
HR Collaborative Executive Director

Summary: 

The NDIRF’s Nancy Reis and Joanna Drennen will review available HR Collaborative resources and online training platform LocalGovU, available free to NDIRF members.