(a) There shall be a Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, hereinafter referred to in this chapter as “Secretary,” to be appointed by and to serve at the pleasure of the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary shall be paid a salary established by the Governor within the limitation of the funds appropriated therefor.
(b) The Secretary may employ such employees as may be required to carry out the duties of this office and may fix the salaries of such employees within the limitations of the funds appropriated therefor.
(c) In the event of a vacancy in the position of Secretary, including the death, resignation, temporary incapacity or removal of the incumbent, and prior to the appointment of a successor, the Governor may appoint any qualified individual to serve as acting Secretary.
(d) The Secretary may call upon any other state officer for such assistance as the Secretary may require and may employ such special help as it may require to carry out this chapter. The Secretary shall fix the compensation of such persons as may be employed to be paid out of such funds as the General Assembly may appropriate for that purpose.