(1) The commissioner may appoint a first deputy and second deputy who shall subscribe and file the constitutional oath of office. Either of these deputies may perform any duty or act of the commissioner during the commissioner’s absence from the bureau. The commissioner may assign either of the deputies to take charge of the bureau during the commissioner’s absence.

  (2) The commissioner may appoint and employ a chief clerk and accountant, examiners, clerks, actuaries, and other necessary assistants, and may designate a chief examiner. The commissioner may designate special deputies from the commissioner’s staff to perform specified duties, including supervision of the bureau during the absence of the commissioner and the first and second deputies.

  (3) The commissioner may designate 1 or more persons to conduct hearings provided for under this code, hearings required by Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as amended, being section 24.201 to 24.315 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, and hearings which the commissioner considers necessary and appropriate for fact-finding or information gathering before making decisions, policies, and determinations allowable or required by law in the course of carrying out the duties of the commissioner. Before a person may conduct hearings, the person shall subscribe the constitutional oath of office and file the oath with the commissioner. Limitations imposed by the commissioner upon the authority of a deputy or a person designated by the commissioner to conduct hearings shall not be binding upon or limit the rights of the parties heard.

  (4) The commissioner may revoke appointments, designations, and delegations of authority made pursuant to this section, in his or her discretion. Appointees and designees provided for in this section shall be paid in the manner prescribed by law.