Section 550.50  Final Level

a)         If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant at the Designated Coordinator Level, the complainant may submit a copy of the grievance form and Designated Coordinator's response to the Director of the Department for final review.  The complainant shall submit these documents to the Director together with a short written statement explaining the reason(s) for dissatisfaction with the Designated Coordinator's written response, within 15 working days after receipt by the complainant of the Designated Coordinator's response.

b)         The complainant shall be afforded an opportunity to appear before the Director.  The complainant shall have a right to appoint a representative to appear on his or her behalf.  The Director shall review the Designated Coordinator's written response and may conduct interviews and seek advice as the Director deems appropriate.

c)         The Director shall approve, disapprove or modify the recommendation of the Designated Coordinator, shall render a decision thereon in writing within 30 working days, shall state the basis therefor, and shall cause a copy of the decision to be served on the parties.  The Director's decision shall be final. If the Director disapproves or modifies the Designated Coordinator's recommendations, the Director shall include written reasons for such disapproval or modification.

d)         The grievance form, the Designated Coordinator's response, the statement of reasons for dissatisfaction, and the decision of the Director shall be maintained in accordance with the State Records Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 116, par. 43.4 et seq.) or as otherwise required by law.