OCCAC does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in programs or activities.  If you feel you have experienced discrimination, our grievance procedure ensures prompt, fair, and effective resolution.  It is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and the resolution of grievances in compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. It applies to all programs and activities conducted by OCCAC.

Filing a Grievance

• Eligibility: Any individual who believes they have been discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability may file a grievance.
• Timeframe for Filing: A grievance should be filed within 30-90 days from the date the discrimination occurred or when the grievant became aware of the discrimination.
• How to File: Please submit the grievance in writing to the Program Manager of the Service in which you felt discrimination occurred.  Contact our main office number for current contact information for the manager. In the grievance, please include:
  • Your name and contact information.
  • A description of the discrimination (what happened, when, where, and how).
  • The basis of the discrimination (race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability).
  • Any supporting evidence or documentation.
  • The desired resolution or outcome.
• Acknowledgment of Grievance: Upon receiving the grievance, the Program Manager will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 5-10 business days. The acknowledgment will include an overview of the grievance procedure, timeframes, and an outline of the next steps.
• Investigation: To conduct a fair, impartial, and timely investigation of grievance, OCCAC’s process includes:
  • An investigation to assess the facts surrounding the complaint.
  • The investigation may involve interviews with the grievant, the respondent, and any relevant witnesses.
  • The agency will collect and review documents, records, or other evidence pertinent to the complaint.
  • Both the grievant and the respondent will be provided with an opportunity to present their sides and respond to any evidence or information collected.
  • Investigations should be completed within 30-60 days of acknowledging the grievance. If additional time is needed, the grievant and respondent will be notified.
• Outcome and Resolution: After completing the investigation, the Program Manager will issue a written report summarizing the findings of the investigation and any recommended action.
  • If discrimination is found, corrective actions may include but are not limited to: policy changes, training, disciplinary actions, or changes to the program or activity.
  • If no discrimination is found, the grievance will be dismissed with an explanation of the findings.
• Notification: The grievant and respondent will receive written notification of the determination, the reasons for the decision, and any corrective actions or recommendations, if applicable.
• Appeal Process: If the grievant is not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation, they may appeal the decision within 15-30 days to the OCCAC Executive Director. The appeal must be in writing and specify the reasons for dissatisfaction with the decision. The Executive Director will review the case record and issue a final decision within 30-45 days. The decision made by the Executive Director will be final.
• Confidentiality: All grievances will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, and the identities of the grievant, respondent, and witnesses will be protected to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation.
• Prohibit Retaliation: Law and organizational policy prohibit discrimination against individuals who file a grievance, participate in the investigation, or oppose discriminatory practices. Any instance of retaliation will be treated as a separate violation, investigated, and addressed accordingly.