Loan Underwriting Officer

Full-time - Entry Level

ID

About the position

Discover the Westmark Difference!! Are you looking for a career? Do you want to be valued as an individual on a team? Do you want to learn, grow, and make a difference in your community? Westmark offers outstanding stability, a variety of career opportunities and exceptional work/life balance. 60 % of our employees have been part of the Westmark family for 5+ years. 71% of our employees who have been part of the Westmark family for one year or more have received at least one promotion. 85% of our managers were promoted from within the company. Westmark has been in business since 1954 and has recently grown to over $1.2 billion in assets, 15 branches, and over 70,000 members! We also have some of the most impressive benefits in the industry: Paid Time Off (3 to 5 weeks per year, depending on tenure) PLUS 11 paid holidays. Excellent health insurance options for employees and family with shared premiums. 401k with 75% company match and 2% profit sharing contribution. Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships. Employee Assistance Program (Free counseling and legal services). Position Summary: The Loan Underwriting Officer is responsible for underwriting loan applications within consumer lending authority according to Credit Union policies. This position requires a proactive and friendly individual who can handle a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The Loan Underwriting Officer plays a key role in enhancing the relationship between the Credit Union, members, and branch lenders and contributing to the overall success of the Credit Union. Schedule: Average of 36-40 hours within a Monday through Saturday work week. Hybrid eligible.

Responsibilities

• Review application and credit reports in the loan origination system.
• Accept loan related phone calls directly and transferred from the contact center.
• Approve loans with established Level 1 consumer lending authority and obtain approval for loans outside of lending authority.
• Communicate loan decisions to applicants in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of lending regulations and compliance requirements.
• Build strong relationships with branch and contact center employees through effective communication and collaboration.
• Assist branch lenders in completing loan applications and ensure all information is correct.
• Perform tax analysis for self-employed borrowers when necessary.
• Efficiently and accurately prepare loan documents for Home Equity, Second Mortgage, and Short-Term First Mortgage loans for branch lenders to ensure compliance with necessary regulations.
• Handle member complaints and issues with patience and professionalism, working to resolve them effectively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve member questions and discrepancies and to provide effective problem resolution.
• Escalate complex issues to the appropriate department or supervisor as needed.
• Assist internal team members with questions regarding loan decisions.
• Ensure all transactions, member interactions, and lending activities comply with Westmark policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay informed about changes in banking regulations and industry standards.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent, Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous experience in banking, customer service, or sales, with a strong understanding of lending processes.
• In-depth knowledge of financial products, services, and lending regulations.
• General loan underwriting understanding.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications including MS Office.
• Commitment to providing outstanding member service and maintaining member confidentiality.

Nice-to-haves

• Member focus
• Self-starter
• Sales Acumen
• Goal Oriented
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Team Collaboration
• Integrity
• Accountability

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (3 to 5 weeks per year, depending on tenure) PLUS 11 paid holidays.
• Excellent health insurance options for employees and family with shared premiums.
• 401k with 75% company match and 2% profit sharing contribution.
• Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships.
• Employee Assistance Program (Free counseling and legal services).