Collections Officer / Ridgeland

Collections Officer

This position is for a Collections Officer with a credit union company location in Ridgeland, MS. Will carry out collection activities related to delinquent consumer accounts to ensure that the delinquency level of Brightview remains below the ratio set by management. Performs necessary collection activity on delinquent Brightview accounts (loans, VISA, share / share draft accounts etc.). Optimize collections on accounts while balancing the goodwill of members with the overall business interest of Brightview. Provides service to members and staff which supports the sales and service environment. Responsible for collections of three branches across the state of Mississippi. Working hours : Monday thru Friday; 8 : 30 AM to 5 : 00 PM. Duties and responsibilities include : responsible for initiating and following through with collection of all delinquent accounts in accordance with established collection policies and procedures; contacts members, primarily by phone and letters, whose accounts or loans are delinquent and secures acceptable arrangements to bring those obligations current; follows up as required until the situation is resolved; documents contact with members with accurate information and arrangements made. Follows up and monitors delinquent loans / shares to ensure promised arrangements are kept; ensures that all reporting requirements are completed thoroughly, accurately and within time frames established; gathers and prepares necessary documentation for further collection activity and / or management approval including but not limited to workout loans, alternative payment schedules, loan extensions and modifications; ability to skip trace accounts with Brightview tools, Internet, references etc.; strictly adheres in performance of all job duties to all laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures regarding collection practices; this includes but is not limited to BSA, Federal / State collection laws, foreclosure laws, bankruptcy laws, privacy regulations, small claims court etc.; assigns delinquent loans for field chase, repossession and skip assignments; determines most appropriate method and assigns delinquent loans for legal, small claims, collection agency, charge-offs etc.; documents contact with attorneys, trustees, third party vendors; presents information to executive management for reaffirmation agreements, liquidation of repossessions etc. to gain approval; appears in court when necessary in the Jackson metro area or other designated jurisdictions; coordinates voluntary surrenders, including preparing documentation and obtaining book values; reviews and evaluates all bankruptcy notices, lien sale / impound notices and determines and recommends the next step; reviews schedules for possibility of filing for non-dischargeability of debt; performs clerical duties as necessary : preparing charge-offs, processing mail, update of credit reports, updating discharge / dismissed dates, closing lines of credit, online communication with remarketing agents, preparing and mailing of NOI's, NOD's, preparing loan modifications for BK loan extensions and BK 13 match plans, reassigning repo orders etc.; understands CPI coverage and processes; resolves insurance issues; monitors and collects accounts assigned to the collection officer that are past due, submitting reports as scheduled; maintains accurate reports of all attempts to contact accounts or co-maker of accounts; prepares a variety of routine and special reports; reviews and prepares documentation for relief from automatic stay; performs e-Oscar updates as needed. Secondary duties include : backup teller every other week or as necessary; answer and direct phone calls for the branch when necessary. Confidentiality requirements : must keep members' transactions and other credit union business in strictest confidence. Requirements and qualifications include : high school diploma or equivalent; must be able to attend court cases or attend auctions, inspect repossessed collateral offsite etc.; one year previous collection experience with a credit union or bank preferred; customer service attitude and skills to include : team player attitude, commitment, patience, enthusiasm, creativity, listening, comprehension, initiative, cooperation, attention to detail, resourcefulness; professionalism to include : confidence, good judgment, appropriate demeanor and appearance; ability to interact with high level officers of the credit union, board members, auditors / examiners, vendors, employees, members etc.; skills to include : excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent telephone manners and techniques, ability to perform basic math calculations, ability to solve problems using practical methods, ability to interpret instructions furnished in written or verbal format, ability to make difficult decisions, interpersonal communications, effective organizational skills. Other : ability to motivate or influence others is a material part of the job, requiring a significant level of diplomacy and trust; obtaining cooperation (internally and / or externally) is an important part of the job; maintains overall knowledge of the resources and services of the credit union as front-line first contact with EVP's, branch managers and staff. Must have a valid driver's license.