Loan Underwriter

BASIC FUNCTION

The primary function of the Consumer Loan Underwriter is to review and make sound underwriting decisions on consumer loan requests. These decisions will be based on the policies outlined in the Credit Union's Consumer Loan Guidelines and Procedures and in accordance with all state and federal compliance regulations. An important component of this position is the ability to build marginal loans into low risk lending opportunities.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

1) The underwriter will make sound loan underwriting decisions by analyzing each applicant's credit worthiness. Ensures proper policies, procedures, risk mitigation activities, and operating controls are followed. Reports gaps in policies, procedures, and operating controls to leadership to ensure member impact and risk is mitigated.

2) The underwriter looks for opportunities to make good loans from requests that are marginal by working to build these requests into low risk loans.

3) The underwriter supports the Credit Union's Indirect Lending Program by establishing positive working relationships with the indirect dealership network and always keeping in the forefront the best interests of the credit union and the member-owner.

4) The underwriter supports the Credit Union's Consumer Lending Program by acting as a lending expert in giving guidance to other lending personnel.

5) The underwriter looks for all lending opportunities that would enhance the financial wellness of the member-owner. Makes recommendations for other cross-sells when applicable.

6) The underwriter is responsible for taking part in a variety of loan training activities. Participates in underwriting observations to help partners learn the fundamentals of underwriting.

7) The underwriter works with management to help assist in other areas of the credit union when it is needed.

CRITICAL RESULTS

1) Expectations of member-owners, who use the Consumer Lending Program, are routinely met and often exceeded.

2) Being aware that loans approved through the Indirect loan channel serves members' interests while managing the higher risk involved in loans made through this channel.

3) Business goals for processing member center loans are consistently met and often exceeded.

4) Sound underwriting practices are utilized on all consumer loans to ensure credit losses are maintained at budgeted levels.

5) All activities are efficiently conducted, generally error free, and are completed following the appropriate policies, procedures, operational controls, and compliance controls.

6) Losses, errors, and risks are controlled and mitigated by adhering to all applicable policies and procedures.

7) Regular attendance and punctuality are required, also the ability to work after-hours and weekends when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Specialized or Technical Knowledge and Skills : The Consumer Loan Underwriter is skilled and knowledgeable in consumer loan underwriting processes, procedures and lending products :

1) High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.

2) An Associate's degree or the equivalent combination of formal training and experience specific to the consumer loan industry is preferred.

3) A minimum of one year credit union experience, with at least six months experience involving loan interviewing, processing, and funding is required.

B. Behavioral Competencies : Behavioral competencies are the skills and personal characteristics that an individual should possess in order to be successful in this position.

1) Core Competencies : Core competencies are consistent for all positions across the organization and are aligned with WEOKIE'S core values.

a) Member Focus (internal and external) : Finds financial solutions that not immediately apparent. Builds member confidence, is committed to increasing member satisfaction, sets achievable member expectations, assumes responsibility for solving member problems, ensures commitments to members are met, solicits opinions and ideas from members, responds to internal members.

b) Dependability : Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance / punctuality requirements.

c) Integrity / Ethics : Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, conveys good news and bad.

2) Job Specific Competencies : The position requires a well-rounded and level-headed individual who is able to maintain composure in a variety of situations. The following stand out among a long list of behavioral competencies for this position :

a) Job Knowledge : Understands duties and responsibilities, has necessary job knowledge, has necessary technical skills, understands company mission / values, keeps job knowledge current, is in command of critical issues.

b) Productivity : Manages a fair workload, volunteers for additional work, prioritizes tasks, develops good work procedures, manages time well, and handles information flow.

c) Quality : Is attentive to detail and accuracy, is committed to excellence, looks for improvements continuously, monitors quality levels, finds root cause of quality problems, owns / acts on quality problems.

d) Interpersonal Skills : Has good listening skills, builds strong relationships, is flexible / openminded, negotiates effectively, solicits performance feedback and handles constructive criticism.

C. 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 frequently required to stand; walk; sit and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds.

D. 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 worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.