To whom may an employee appeal be assigned by the Commission?

An employee appeal may be assigned to a hearing officer, who is typically an impartial third party responsible for conducting hearings on grievances and disputes. This individual has the expertise and authority to evaluate the information presented, listen to both sides of the issue, and make informed recommendations or decisions based on the evidence.

Assigning the appeal to a hearing officer ensures that the process is fair and objective, allowing for a thorough examination of the case without bias. The role of the hearing officer is to facilitate a just process, ensuring that the rights of the employee are acknowledged while also considering organizational policies and standards.

In contrast, other options are less suitable for managing an employee appeal. The Commission Chair may have oversight responsibilities but is not typically involved in individual appeal hearings. A legal advisor provides counsel and can assist with legal questions, but does not conduct hearings. The employee's supervisor is likely a party involved in the appeal and thus would not be appropriate to oversee the process objectively.