(a) The ombudsman shall appoint a person to serve as acting ombudsman in the absence of the ombudsman. The ombudsman shall also appoint assistants and clerical personnel necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(b) The ombudsman may delegate to the assistants any of the ombudsman's duties except those specified in AS 24.55.190 and 24.55.200; however, during the ombudsman's absence from the principal business offices, the ombudsman may delegate the duties specified in AS 24.55.190 and 24.55.200 to the acting ombudsman for the duration of the absence. The duties specified in AS 24.55.190 and 24.55.200 shall be performed by the acting ombudsman when serving under AS 24.55.040(b).
(c) The ombudsman and the staff appointed by the ombudsman are in the exempt service under AS 39.25.110 and are not subject to the employment policies under AS 24.10 or AS 24.20.
(d) Notwithstanding (c) of this section, staff appointed by the ombudsman may be employed under a personal services contract as provided by AS 24.10.060(f).