In this section, “local executive authority” means: except as provided in item (2) of this subsection, the county executive of a county that has a charter form of government; the County Council of Talbot County; the county commissioners of a county that does not have a charter form of government; or the Mayor of Baltimore City. In each county, the local director shall be appointed with the concurrence of the Secretary and the appropriate local executive authority or its designee. The local executive authority or its designee shall meet and consult with the local board before the appointment of the local director. A local director shall have: a master’s degree in social work or a related field; at least 5 years of professional employment in social services administration or supervision; and any other qualifications and training that the Secretary requires by regulation. The Secretary, the local executive authority or its designee, and the local board shall: at least annually, evaluate the local director in writing; and jointly review their respective evaluations with the local director. In consultation with the local board, the local governing authority of each county shall establish by ordinance or resolution the process for evaluating the local director. The Secretary shall: establish by regulation the process by which the Secretary will evaluate the local directors; and notify the local board of any significant deficiencies in the administration of the local department. A local director may be removed from office with the concurrence of the Secretary and the appropriate local executive authority or its designee. The appropriate local executive authority or its designee shall meet and consult with the local board before the removal of a local director. A local director shall be in the executive service or management service of the State Personnel Management System. Each deputy director and assistant director of the Baltimore City Department of Social Services shall be in the management service of the State Personnel Management System. Except as provided in § 3–403.1 of this title, the Director of the Department of Social Services in Montgomery County is a member of the Employees’ Pension System.

This section does not apply in Montgomery County. Except for child support enforcement, a local director shall administer the social service and public assistance activities in the county in accordance with Title 4, Subtitle 2 and Title 5, Subtitle 2 of this article. A local director has a general administrative responsibility to the Social Services Administration and the Family Investment Administration. The responsibilities of a local director include: long-range and short-range planning for the functions and objectives of the local department; administering the operations of the local department; except as provided in § 3-301(f)(2) of this subtitle or as otherwise provided by law, appointing personnel of the local department in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article; improving administrative and social work practices and procedures; submitting periodic reports and evaluations that the Social Services Administration and the Family Investment Administration require; submitting an annual report to the local board; and undertaking any other responsibilities required by the Social Services Administration, the Family Investment Administration, or applicable laws.

In Montgomery County, the local director shall act as the agent of the Secretary to ensure that Montgomery County complies with responsibilities under grant agreements entered into in accordance with § 3-403 of this title.