became mature for decision on September 26, 2025, upon final receipt of the parties' written Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law.

Synopsis

Grievant is employed by Respondent as a Child Protective Service Worker. She asserts that she was wrongfully suspended without pay for five days. Respondent asserts that Grievant has not maintained the expected standard of conduct; therefore, Grievant was properly suspended without pay. Respondent proved by a preponderance of the evidence that the five-day suspension for misconduct was justified for violation of law, policy, and insubordination. Grievant failed to prove any affirmative defense or that mitigation was warranted. Accordingly, the grievance is denied.

The following Findings of Fact are based upon a complete and thorough review of the record created in this grievance:

Findings of Fact

1. Grievant is employed as a Child Protective Service ("CPS") worker for Respondent in the Wood County Bureau for Social Services.
2. Brandice Bragg was Grievant's supervisor from September 2022 to September 2024, when Grievant requested a different supervisor. Dale Chidester is Grievant's current supervisor but did not testify at the level of three hearing. Both supervisors assist all CPS workers.
3. Shannon Elkins is the Social Services Manager ("SSM") at the Wood County Department of Human Services ("DoHS").
4. On December 3, 2024, Grievant inadvertently called Supervisor Bragg while Grievant was in Magistrate Court seeking a ratification order for removal of a child.