(a) There is established as an executive department in the Government of the United States Virgin Islands the Department of Human Services (hereinafter, referred to as the “Department”).
(b) At the head of the Department there shall be a Commissioner of Human Services (hereinafter, referred to as the “Commissioner”). The Commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Legislature, and shall hold office during the continuance in office of the Governor by whom he is appointed and until his successor is appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the Governor. The Department shall be administered under the supervision and direction of the Commissioner.
(c) The Governor shall appoint two Assistant Commissioners for the Department, one for the District of St. Croix and one for the District of St. Thomas-St. John, and such deputies or division directors as he deems necessary for the efficient operation of the Department. The duties of the officers appointed under this subsection shall be prescribed by the Commissioner consistent with the powers and duties of the Department.
(d) The Governor shall organize the Department to provide the most efficient, cost-effective and coordinated delivery of services and programs within its jurisdiction.
(e) In organizing the Department, the Governor shall establish a Division of Handicapped Services which, in addition to the powers and duties of the Department applicable to the handicapped, shall serve as the sole source agency for the administration of federal and Virgin Islands programs for the handicapped. Whenever necessary, the Governor shall, by Executive Order, unless otherwise prohibited by law, conform the Division of Handicapped Services by organization or otherwise, to the requirements of federal law to the extent necessary to qualify the Division and the Department for federal funding of programs for the handicapped. The organization of the Division shall include an advisory council consisting of handicapped persons who shall report to the Division head and the Commissioner on policy and programs administered by the Division of Handicapped Services.