Blight Reduction & Abatement Manager

Pay Range $84,321 - $135,756  FLSA Status - Exempt

Essential Functions: 

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate.

Manages departmental blight reduction programs and initiatives; develops and implements work plans, priorities, and performance measures; coordinates resources and work assignments to address unsafe structures, nuisance properties, and recurring neighborhood conditions; and collaborates with area supervisors and departmental units to identify candidate properties, evaluate referrals, and establish responsibilities for inspections, case development, corrective actions, and follow-up.

Oversees case review and preparation activities for in rem complaints and blight tax referrals; reviews case materials for factual support, completeness, procedural compliance, and readiness for legal review; identifies deficiencies, assigns corrective actions, and verifies completion prior to submission; prepares and oversees preparation of case narratives, referral memoranda, draft complaint materials, exhibits, witness information, and supporting documentation; verifies that requested remedies and designations are supported by documented property conditions and applicable program criteria; coordinates collection and review of title certificates, ownership records, interested-party research, inspection reports, photographs, enforcement histories, appraisals, repair estimates, and other technical evidence; ensures consistency and accuracy of case documentation; and refers legal or technical questions to appropriate professionals.

Coordinates departmental filing activities and coordination with the Law Department for in rem complaints and blight cases; serves as the primary departmental liaison for case submissions; assembles indexed case packages, conducts departmental reviews, obtains required approvals, and maintains transmittals and responses; coordinates filing of in rem complaints and related legal documents in accordance with delegated authority, applicable court requirements, and Law Department approvals; prepares filing materials and completes authorized filing procedures; monitors requests for supplemental information, legal review status, filing confirmations, and required follow-up actions; and resolves documentation deficiencies with departmental staff; and escalates delays, disputed matters, and issues requiring legal determinations to appropriate authorities.

Manages court preparation and case tracking activities for in rem complaints and blight cases; coordinates with the Law Department and Court Liaison to prepare cases for hearings; organizes exhibits, confirms witness availability, coordinates inspections and technical reports, and ensures staff readiness to present factual evidence; maintains comprehensive case tracking systems and deadline calendars for referrals, filings, notices, service and postings, hearings, court orders, compliance periods, abatement milestones, and cost-recovery actions; monitors pending cases and assigns follow-up responsibilities; coordinates completion and documentation of required notices, postings, and procedural requirements in accordance with approved processes and legal guidance; identifies and reports deficiencies affecting court readiness; attends hearings and case conferences, provides factual testimony as required, and documents case dispositions; translates court decisions into operational assignments; and coordinates clarification of court orders and subsequent actions with the Law Department.

Manages abatement activities and monitors program results for departmental blight reduction initiatives; coordinates implementation of authorized abatement actions with departmental staff, contractors, and partner agencies; verifies required approvals, funding, procurement, permits, and work scopes prior to scheduling activities; monitors project progress and resolves operational barriers; oversees final inspections, completion records, invoices, and itemized cost documentation; coordinates cost-recovery submissions and follow-up activities with the Law Department and appropriate County offices; coordinates blight designation and remediation documentation with responsible County offices; and monitors compliance, recommends further review when property conditions change, and ensures continued monitoring and appropriate case closeout.

Leads development of departmental policies, procedures, and program reporting for blight reduction initiatives; drafts and recommends standard operating procedures, review checklists, forms, and case submission standards; coordinates legal review as needed and implements approved changes through staff training and quality assurance activities; analyzes case aging, filing and court activity, compliance outcomes, abatement expenditures, and recurring operational challenges; prepares reports and recommendations for the Deputy Director and Director to improve program effectiveness and operational efficiency; coordinates blight reduction projects with County departments and community partners; responds to inquiries in accordance with established communication protocols; and ensures accurate recordkeeping and compliance with County requirements.

Exercises program management and supervisory authority under the direction of the Deputy Director; oversees assigned activities and ensures compliance with established policies, procedures, and delegated responsibilities; coordinates legal sufficiency reviews, pleading approvals, litigation strategies, and court representation with the Law Department; performs filing, signature, and court-related duties within formally delegated authority and applicable legal and court requirements; and ensures legal determinations and representation of the County remain under the authority of the Law Department.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school required; five years of progressively responsible experience in legal case preparation, code enforcement, nuisance abatement, real property matters, public administration, or a related field, including two years of program, project, or personnel management; experience in evidence review, court document preparation, case management, deadline tracking, and policy or procedure development required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:   Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia preferred and required when assigned duties involve the practice of law; must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.