[Amended 8-8-2016 by L.L.
No. 7-2016, approved 11-8-2016, effective 1-1-2017]
There shall be a Department of Social Services headed by the
Commissioner of Social Services. The Commissioner shall be appointed
by the County Executive for a term prescribed by the Social Services
Law of the State of New York, subject to confirmation by the County
Legislature. The Commissioner shall be appointed on the basis of her
administrative experience and qualifications for the duties of office
as prescribed by such Social Services Law and the rules and regulations
made pursuant thereto.
[Amended 8-8-2016 by L.L.
No. 7-2016, approved 11-8-2016, effective 1-1-2017]
Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, the Commissioner
of Social Services shall:
(a)Â
Have all the powers and perform all the duties conferred upon or
required of a County Commissioner of Social Services under the Social
Services Law of the State of New York, or other applicable law;
(b)Â
Administer all mandated and optional social service programs for
needy persons throughout the County, including, but not limited to,
elderly assistance programs, aid to dependent children, aid to the
disabled, child welfare, institutional care and other related programs;
(c)Â
Represent the Department of Social Services in the maintenance of
all contracts or communications with public or private agencies regarding
aid to qualified needy persons throughout the County;
(d)Â
Publish and otherwise disseminate such information regarding administrative
procedures and practices affecting the public as shall facilitate
the Department of Social Services's response to the needs of the community;
(e)Â
Investigate suspected fraudulent applications for, and the receipt
of, public assistance and refer cases where appropriate to the District
Attorney for prosecution;
(f)Â
Have all the powers and perform such other and related duties as
shall be required or delegated to her by the County Executive, or
the County Legislature.
