Collections Specialist

Job Description: WHO We Are: Self-Help started in 1980 with a focus on economic inequality especially in communities that have faced systemic barriers in building wealth. At the core of what Self-Help does is a drive to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity. In other words, we're committed to economic justice Economic Justice means that all communities have the basic infrastructure they need to thrive, from high-quality schools to grocery stores selling fresh food resources that support opportunity at a neighborhood level regardless of demographics, income, or wealth. Since our founding, we've constantly sought to find new ways to pursue greater economic justice: from providing fair and affordable loans to working with partners to demand that lawmakers change unjust policies. We are seeking a Collections Specialist to join our Greensboro NC, Durham, NC or Sunnyside, WA team WHAT You'll Do: Making effective use of collections tools including daily collection queue and delinquent loan activity. Following up on delinquent accounts by correspondence, telephone, personal contact to secure a satisfactory repayment resolution. Preparing and sending correspondence to customers to demand payment of loan balance. De-escalate upset members by answering questions, providing information and referring as necessary to appropriate parties and resources. Utilizing further appropriate collection methods for payment resolution including recommending work-out repayment plans and consolidations, financial counseling and voluntary surrender of collateral as circumstances warrant; and educating members regarding legal actions and consequences. Computing repayment schedules. Preparing loan extension requests for approval by following established guidelines. Maintaining collections efforts and activities until account becomes current, is charged- off, falls under bankruptcy protection, or is referred to either an attorney or collections agency. Running credit/debit cards if applicable; posting payments and perform related system transactions. Researching and monitoring accounts and maintaining accurate and up-to-date activity records of payment and delinquency status. Documenting and maintaining records regarding collection activities, account status and action taken on member accounts. Maintaining individual portfolio of delinquent loans. Reviewing monthly delinquent reports and notifying Centralized Collections Manager about any patterns or trends as to minimize losses. Determining if status of customer's financial position prevents repayment of loan and justifies re-classifying loan as non-revenue producing. Acting on notification of impounded, lien sale and/or stored vehicles and making arrangements to retrieve vehicles to protect the interest of Self-Help Credit Union. Ordering and reviewing investigative reports, including skip traces and credit reports. Following up with agencies to ensure prompt recovery of collateral. WHAT You'll Need: High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two (2) years of previous collections and clerical experience in a full-service financial institution. Prior experience handling bankruptcy issues, repossessions and disposition of collateral required. Ability to form and maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers. Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. Knowledge of collection procedures and related laws and regulations. Ability to quickly assess member accounts and patterns and make recommendations based on prior history. Ability to use keyboard and data entry skills; familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel. English fluency required and Spanish fluency preferred. Ability and willingness to travel and work overtime as needed. If you are interested in who we are and what we do; have a strong desire to work in an organization that places a high priority on teamwork and collaboration; and are interested in working to help create economic opportunity for all - THIS is the place for you "Click the "apply now" button to apply" Compensation: Competitive nonprofit compensation, based on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Self-Help is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression (including transgender status), age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, class or family status. Self-Help is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Company Disclaimer: Self-Help is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression (including transgender status), age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, class or family status.