Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 2.2-1202.1, 15.2-1506, and 15.2-1507 to the contrary, in any county which has the county manager plan of government provided for in this chapter, a grievance procedure may be established which permits an Equal Employment Opportunity officer, except the Director of the Department of Human Resource Management appointed pursuant to § 2.2-1200 and any employees thereof, to be present at any step of a grievance procedure established under § 15.2-1506. Such officer shall not be an advocate or representative on behalf of either the grievant or management.