Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
DOSOCSGO0002
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Grievance Staff
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Department of State: Grievance Staff
Sub-Agency/Bureau/Division:: 
Bureau of Human Resources
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Hearing Officer #2 (Title): 
Grievance Examiner
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

Administrative review of formal grievances by Department of State civil service employees who are not covered covered by a negotiated grievance procedure for "any matter of concern or dissatisfaction" under the agency's control that relates to employment and concerns allegations of violation/misapplication of law, regulation or written policy. (3 Foreign Affairs Manual 4700). Administrative grievances do not Employees must generally exhaust informal grievance process before filing a formal grievance.

(Note: Matters subject to formal review and adjudication by other federal entities processes (e.g., MSPB, OPM, FLRA, EEOC), as well as other enumerated matters (such as security clearances) are excluded from this administrative grievance process.) (See 3 FAM 4714.1)

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Are private parties permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as a private party representative?: 
Either
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
No
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
3 FAM 4700
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Does the hearing officer have subpoena authority?: 
No
Are ex parte contacts prohibited?: 
No
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
Written (Document-Only) Hearing
In-Person
How is the type of hearing selected: 
By Agency
Please describe: 
The grievance examiner may, at his/her discretion, review formal grievances by "(1) [s]ecuring documentary evidence, (2) [p]ersonal interviews, (3) [a] group meeting." (3 FAM 4733)
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?: 
No
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?: 
No
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?: 
No
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
No
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
Are hearings open to the public?: 
No (Hearings Always Closed/All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Adjudication Officer
Other
If "Other," please specify: 
The Deputy Assistant Secretary/Bureau of Human Resources has final authority to issue decisions on formal grievances. The grievance examiner conducts hearings and submits findings, recommendations, and grievance file to the DAS. (3 FAM 4733)
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
If "Yes," please specify these time limit(s): 
The grievance examiner has 60 days from receipt of grievance assignment to issue his/her report with findings and recommendation(s) to the DAS (3 FAM 4733(d)). The DAS has 15 days from receipt to the grievance examiner's documents to issue a final decision. (3 FAM 4734(d))
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
Does the agency permit web-based electronic filing of hearing-related briefs or other documents?: 
No
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
If "Yes," please provide citation(s): 
3 FAM 4733(c)
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce: 
No
ADJUDICATORS
Total # of Hearing Officers: 
10
ADR: General Information
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?: 
Yes
If "Yes," when is ADR available?: 
Before Claim/Case Filed
Pre-Hearing
Is ADR a mandatory or voluntary process?: 
Voluntary
What type(s) of ADR are available?: 
Other
If "Other," please specify:: 
Ombuds services
Who conducts the ADR?: 
Agency ADR Official
Regulations/rules of practice governing ADR process (please include CFR citations): 
3 FAM 4717.1
Comments/Notes on ADR Process (Optional): 
Either the employee-grievant or the "participating manager" may contact the Office of Ombudsman for ADR arrangements.
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified