R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-10-31: Appointment of deputies.

The clerk of the family court, with the approval of the chief judge of the court, may appoint one or more deputy clerks who, being sworn, may discharge all the duties of the clerk until removed by the clerk or the court. The clerk shall fix the compensation of his or her deputies within the amount appropriated therefor and shall be liable for his or her misconduct or neglect of duty.