New York Consolidated Laws, Social Services Law - SOS § 77. City commissioners of public welfare;  appointment of staff

1. There shall be a city commissioner of public welfare in each city public welfare district, who shall administer the public assistance and care for which the city public welfare district is responsible.

2. The officer appointed, in accordance with section one hundred sixteen of this chapter, to administer public assistance and care in a city which is constituted a city public welfare district, shall have the powers and perform the duties of the city commissioner of public welfare.

3. When the duties of a city commissioner are by the provisions of special or local law relating to the city assigned to more than one department of the city government, the administrative officer of each such department shall have such of the powers and perform such of the duties of a city commissioner as may be applicable to the work assigned to such department, and all the provisions of this chapter shall be so interpreted.

4. The city commissioner of public welfare shall appoint deputy commissioners, assistants and employees authorized by the legislative body of the city and shall direct their work.  When authorized by such legislative body such city commissioner may appoint attorneys to perform duties other than those assigned to the corporation counsel or city attorney.  However, if such city commissioner shall approve and if authorized by such legislative body, such attorneys may, in addition to performing the duties assigned to them by such city commissioner, be deputized by the corporation counsel or city attorney to perform duties on his behalf in connection with the work of the welfare department.  The city commissioner shall appoint physicians to visit sick persons in their homes when authorized by the legislative body of such city.