Are social services board members required to take an oath of office?

Yes. A county social services board member (other than a county commissioner who has already taken an oath of office as a county commissioner and is serving ex officio on the social services board) must take an oath of office. The appointee must swear or affirm to faithfully discharge his or her duties as a social services board member and to support and maintain the constitutions and laws of the United States and North Carolina. The oath may be taken at any time between the board member's appointment and his or her assumption of office. The oath may be administered anywhere in the State by a judge, magistrate, clerk of superior court, state legislator, city or county clerk, mayor, chair of the board of county commissioners, notary public, or other specified public official. A written copy of the oath signed by the board member must be filed with the clerk of the board of county commissioners. If a social services board member is reappointed for a second term, he or she is required take a second oath of office.