R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-6: Deputies and administrators.

The director may appoint and may remove any executive directors, deputy directors, and administrators as the director deems advisable; provided, however, that all assistant directors, associate directors, or executive directors shall have a masters degree in social work (M.S.W.) or in a closely related human service field, and have demonstrated competence in juvenile justice, and/or children’s mental health and/or child welfare as appropriate to their responsibilities. Any executive director, deputy director, or assistant director and administrator appointed for administrative and support services shall have a masters degree in a discipline appropriate to their responsibilities and demonstrated competence in child welfare or children’s mental health or juvenile justice management or administration of programs for children as appropriate.