(a)      The Secretary of Human Resources, with the approval of the Governor, shall appoint a competent person to act as the State Director of Social Services, who shall be paid for his services such compensation as may be provided in the budget. The State Director of Social Services, hereinafter referred to as the "State Director", shall be a competent person having adequate training and practical experience in social welfare work; and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Secretary of Human Resources. The State Director holding office on August 31, 1970, shall continue to hold office at the pleasure of the Secretary of Human Resources.

      (b)      (1)      The State Director shall devote his whole time to the duties of his office, and shall serve as the administrative head of the State Administration, responsible for the appointment, under the provisions of Division I of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, of all State Administration personnel.

            (2)      The State Director is responsible for the organization and administration of the State Administration and for the supervision of local departments, and other agencies and institutions under the supervision of the State Administration, subject to the rules and regulations prescribed in accordance with law and to the State and federal laws governing the administration of social services and public assistance.

      (c)      It shall be the duty of the State Director to submit the budget estimates for the State Administration to the Secretary of Human Resources.

      (d)      (1)      The State Director may appoint such employees as a proper performance of the duties of the State Department may require, as provided from time to time in the budget.

            (2)      Except as otherwise provided by law, appointment and removal of all paid personnel under this article shall be subject to the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.