If any applicant or recipient is dissatisfied with the action of the board of supervisors, he shall, upon filing a petition with the department, have the right of appeal and shall be accorded an opportunity for a fair hearing. The department shall set such appeal for hearing 30 working days from the filing of the request and shall give all parties concerned written notice of the time and place at least 10 days prior to the hearing. At the hearing, the applicant or recipient may appear in person with counsel of his own choosing or in person and without such counsel.

The department shall consider the appeal and shall dismiss the appeal or award relief as prescribed in this chapter. The board of supervisors shall then pay to such person the sum awarded, if any, by the department.