Lending Specialist

This position is primarily responsible for taking loan applications via phone and internet, preparing for underwriting, gathering loan stipulations and funding the loan in a timely manner. This position will also be responsible for maintaining knowledge of all loan products in order to effectively understand the approval, the denials and to process consumer, home equity, and second mortgages.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Ability to read and understand credit reports.
• Approves quality loans within clearly defined loan approval authority limits.
• Makes sound underwriting decision recommendations for loans not within approval authority.
• Analyzes the applicant's credit report with the philosophy of "Selling is Telling" and cross sells where appropriate.
• Addresses all Red Flags.
• Gathers background information on loan applicants by interviewing applicants via telephone or internet in order complete the application process for loan decisions.
• Completes all online and alternate channel applications and calls applicants via telephone to complete the application.
• Interviews loan applicants for consumer and home equity loans with ability to follow through to closing.
• Pulls credit reports on all members who do not have a current credit report on file.
• Verifies all debts, lists any debts with monthly payments that are not listed on credit report.
• Reviews total debt to income ratio, secured debt ratio, unsecured debt ratio, and disposable income for all loan applicants, checking for affordability.
• Determines collateral needs and payment terms for members applying for loans.
• Analyzes credit report for cross sell opportunities.
• Verifies employment and income as directed by Summit's Loan Policy.
• Ensures all loans are processed accurately, with proper paperwork according to loan type including all consumer and home equities.
• Approves loan applications within clearly defined limits or refer to the proper lending authority when necessary.
• Delivers reasons for denial, and exploring and explaining options using "Selling is Telling" for members when loans are denied counseling members on how to get an approval in the future.
• Maintains and follow lending policies as well as laws and regulations.
• Verifies the accuracy of loan amounts, interest rate and repayment terms on approved loan applications.
• Completes loan documents and performs disbursements for members that cannot close in a branch or for a loan officer who approved the loan but may not disburse. Able to successfully close loans using DocuSign.
• Helps with the implementation of new loan products and services with managerial direction.
• Assists in training of new lending personnel.
• Closes at least ten (10) sold referrals per month.
• Contacts members by letter, email or telephone to sell lending products as time allows.
• Assists employees in other departments with lending questions.
• Makes decisions loans within department guidelines and standards.
• Maintains regulatory knowledge and compliance.
• Exhibits awareness and reacts appropriately to loan volume levels, incoming phone calls and emails to achieve and maintain service level standards.
• Prioritizes follow-up with regard to urgency of where the loan is closing and to the member's needs.
• Exhibits loan file review behaviors i.e. creates appropriate loan documentation including comments and recommend approve presentation.
• Meets department service levels for loans.
• Facilitates closing loans by following up on own loan queue in a timely manner.
• Identifies opportunities to cross-sell additional products which enhance and or protect member loans utilizing the "Selling is Telling" philosophy.
• Demonstrates sales behaviors and activities that contribute to departmental goals to increase member loan volume.
• Demonstrates sales behaviors and activities that contribute to departmental goals to obtain member referrals.
• Takes ownership for change.
• Analyzes, justifies and recommends change in operations to enhance productivity and improve service.
• Contributes to the success of the department through effective interdepartmental communication and education.
• Assumes responsibility for own development through training, collaboration and teamwork.
• Takes initiative to participate in organizational projects or trainings.
• Provides exceptional direct member service to members via phone, email and written correspondence.
• Educates members about their loan product choices, analyzes their needs, and recommends appropriate loan products and services.
• Maintains a high degree of knowledge in all credit union programs, ensures quality service and accuracy is delivered to members.
• Ensures that all loan applications are accurate, complete and appropriate for the member requesting credit.
• Documents member interactions and exceptions in loan software.
• Attains, utilizes and maintains loan development program skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Intellectual

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.

Interpersonal

• Member Service - Manages difficult or emotional member situations; responds promptly to member needs; solicits member feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control.

Organization

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.

Self-management

• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.

Reports to: Consumer Lending Manager

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of members or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of: Database Software (Access); Internet Software; Spreadsheet Software (Excel); Word Processing Software (Word); Electronic Mail Software (Outlook); Presentation software (PowerPoint); and Lending Platform.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid driver license and acceptable motor vehicle record
• National Mortgage Licensing System
• Successfully register for Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) Act
• NIPR

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent organizational, leadership, interpersonal communication and computer skills
• Clear and conceptual thinking ability
• Excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously, meet deadlines, and handle work-related stress is required
• Friendly, courteous, service-oriented, professional, outgoing, and member service oriented
• Remain calm and professional in stressful situations
• Detail-oriented and work effectively under pressure while meeting all applicable deadlines
• Must be able to work independently and productively with minimum supervision
• Recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve routine problems
• Ability to establish and maintain professional atmosphere for employees, clients and members

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Able to work a flexible schedule to include various nights and weekends
• College preferred or equivalent financial/lending supervisory experience
• Minimum of two (2) year's consumer lending experience analyzing and/or approving consumer loan applications
• Must have experience with the following processes: new accounts, savings instruments and consumer lending
• Experience in working with second mortgages required
• Ability to interpret lending policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective consumer lending processing requirements
• Has working knowledge of home equity products in order to prepare, document and process all required forms and related documentation for home equity loans.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NOTE :

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

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