New York Consolidated Laws, Labor Law - LAB § 535. Referees

The commissioner shall appoint, subject to the regulations of the civil service, as many persons as may be necessary to be referees to perform the duties prescribed by this article.  It shall be the duty of a referee, under the supervision, direction, and administrative control of the appeal board, to hear and decide disputes in accordance with the provisions of this article and to conduct such other and further hearings in connection with the foregoing as may be required by the board.