N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 14

§ 14. Employees; compensation. In addition to his deputies, the\ncommissioner may appoint and remove from time to time, in accordance\nwith law and any applicable rules of the state civil service commission,\nsuch employees as he may deem necessary for the efficient administration\nof the department. The compensation of employees appointed by the\ncommissioner pursuant to this section shall be determined by him in\naccordance with law.\n