[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) 
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) 
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) 
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) 
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) 
Investigate suspected fraudulent applications for, and the receipt of, public assistance and refer cases where appropriate to the District Attorney for prosecution;
(f) 
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.