Chamber seminar to review human resources, legal constraints

Two industry experts will lead “HR Legal Requirements for Your Business and Employment Law Liability,” sponsored by Madison Chamber of Commerce.

Samantha Brinkley, CEO and human resources consultant with Rocket City HR, and attorney Nancy Washington Vaughn, Esq., owner of Legal Advantage Human Resources Solutions LLC, will be presenters.

The session will be held March 20 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Hogan Family YMCA.

Participants can expect a detailed review for small companies “to effectively manage employees while staying compliant with a myriad of laws,” Brinkley said.

Since 2009, “the president has increased staffing and budget levels at regulatory agencies like the IRS, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), EEOC and Department of Labor,” Brinkley said.

Brinkley wants to prepare employers to avoid violations and conduct a legal compliance audit of their workplace.

Brinkley also will discuss E-Verify, software that allows employers to use Form I-9 information. “After April 1, all employers will need to E-Verify new hires’ eligibility to work in the United States,” Brinkley said. Alabama HB-56 included E-Verify requirements.

For information, call Brinkley at 256-656-1216, send email to sfbrinkley@rocketcityhr.com or visit RocketCityHR.com.

Vaughn will discuss “how managers … may make impermissible assumptions and act on discriminatory stereotypes in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.”

Vaughn will explain Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates, including reasonable accommodation requests, performance capability and safety. She will review discrimination laws concerning age, race, religion, gender and national origin.

Vaughn will report required topics for an audit of existing human resources policies and practices. She will cover an audit’s best practices and improving morale.

With an audit, the employer must comply with federal and state laws and confirm mandates for contracts or grants, Vaughn said.

Vaughn’s presentation will consider the employee handbook, position descriptions, performance reviews, disciplinary practices and termination, along with dispute resolution, unemployment compensation and telecommuting.

For information, call Vaughn at 256-289-9782, send email to nvaughn@legaladvantagehrsolutions.com or visit legaladvantagehrsolutions.com.

Session fee is $15 for chamber members and $25 for other guests. For reservations, call 256-325-8317 or send email to felecia@madisonALchamber.com.