Effective July 1, 1980, officers and employees who were engaged immediately prior to said date in the performance of powers, duties, and functions of any existing division of the department of social and rehabilitation services which is transferred by this order [*], and who, in the opinion of the secretary of social and rehabilitation services, are necessary to perform the powers, duties, and functions of the department of social and rehabilitation services, or of any service, division, section, or other unit thereof shall remain officers and employees of the department of social and rehabilitation services, and shall retain all retirement benefits and all rights of civil service which such officer or employee had before July 1, 1980, and their services shall be deemed to have been continuous. All transfers and any abolishment of positions of personnel in the classified civil service shall be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and regulations. This section shall not apply to members of boards, commissions and councils.