Collection Specialist

Job Description
Job Title: Post Charge Off Collection Specialist

Division/Department: Collections

Reports to: Collections Manager/Director of Collections

 Full-time

 Non-Exempt

*Job Summary:*
The Post Charge Off Specialist is responsible for the recovery of charged-off loans and share accounts through strategic follow-up, legal action, and skip tracing. This role requires a high level of investigative skill, legal process knowledge, and judgment to determine the most effective recovery method for each account. The specialist will also support legal matters related to non-charged-off accounts as needed.

• This role will have the opportunity to earn commission based on recovery of charged off loans.

*Essential Duties and Responsibilities:*
Manage recovery efforts for all charged-off loans and share accounts, including those assigned to third-party collection agencies and those retained in-house.

• Perform advanced skip tracing to locate members, assets (e.g., property, employment), and collateral previously untraceable prior to charge-off.
• Initiate and file small claims court actions for balances under $3,500; collaborate with legal counsel on cases exceeding that threshold.
• Evaluate each account to determine the most appropriate recovery strategy, including settlements, payment arrangements, or legal proceedings.
• Monitor and engage in probate processes for deceased member accounts to assess potential recovery opportunities.
• Assist management with legal matters related to non-charged-off accounts, including foreclosures, replevin actions, and other recovery-related litigation.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all recovery activities, legal filings, and member communications.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies throughout all recovery and legal processes.
• Uphold the compliance requirement of all related federal regulations, including but not limited to; the Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering policies and procedures.
• Complete annual BSA training requirements as established by SunWest Credit Union.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.

*Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:*

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Proven experience in collections, legal recovery, or financial services, preferably within a credit union or banking environment.
• Strong knowledge of legal procedures related to debt recovery, small claims, and probate.
• Exceptional skip tracing skills and familiarity with investigative tools and databases.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software systems and case management tools.
• Experience working with third-party collection agencies and legal counsel, preferred.
• Familiarity with credit union operations and regulatory requirements.

*Physical Requirements:*
Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productive standards.

Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs.

Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on the telephone.

Company Description
SunWest was founded on the belief that financial institutions should exist to serve. Our original founders knew then what a lot of bankers still don't understand. Financial institutions should help people, not take advantage of them. That's why 12 telephone workers came together in 1937 to create a financial cooperative with one goal in mind – to help people thrive financially so they can excel personally.

When you work with us, you're not just clocking in and hoping for the best. You aren't counting down the minutes until you can hop in your car and drive far, far away from your workplace. Nope, not here. When you work with SunWest, you're devoting your time to something bigger than yourself. We aren't just Branch Representatives, Marketing Gurus, Human Resource Professionals, Lending Extraordinaires or Financial Experts. We are friends, family, support systems, and most importantly, we are difference makers. We are passionate about helping others achieve the highest level of financial success and we feel strongly about our communities. Join our team if you're ready to do what you love, while helping those who need what you have to offer.

SunWest was founded on the belief that financial institutions should exist to serve. Our original founders knew then what a lot of bankers still don't understand. Financial institutions should help people, not take advantage of them. That's why 12 telephone workers came together in 1937 to create a financial cooperative with one goal in mind – to help people thrive financially so they can excel personally. When you work with us, you're not just clocking in and hoping for the best. You aren't counting down the minutes until you can hop in your car and drive far, far away from your workplace. Nope, not here. When you work with SunWest, you're devoting your time to something bigger than yourself. We aren't just Branch Representatives, Marketing Gurus, Human Resource Professionals, Lending Extraordinaires or Financial Experts. We are friends, family, support systems, and most importantly, we are difference makers. We are passionate about helping others achieve the highest level of financial success and we feel strongly about our communities. Join our team if you're ready to do what you love, while helping those who need what you have to offer.