Officers, employees or designees of the SSP will safeguard and maintain the confidentiality of data and information obtained as the result of administering the SSP and shall not reveal such data or information for purposes other than those directly connected with the administration of SSP except when the appropriating body or social services official has authorized their disclosure to an agency or person deemed entitled to it pursuant to section 136 of the Social Services Law and Part 357 of this Title. Part 357 of this Title shall apply to SSP and to disclosures by OTDA employees to the same extent that Part 357 of this Title applies to disclosures of public assistance information by employees and officers of the districts.