Associate Mortgage Loan Specialist

SECU•Boone - New Market Blvd, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level real estate lending position focuses on development and training. The Associate Mortgage Loan Specialist obtains the knowledge and experience needed to guide current and prospective members through the real estate loan application process. The role involves assisting with applications, assessing and underwriting loans, communicating decisions, supporting existing mortgage and home equity borrowers, and educating members about lending and other credit union services. The specialist works with branch employees, the Lending Contact Center, the Real Estate Lending Processing Center, and external partners, and may participate in community engagement and local travel. The position requires completion of assigned employee, lending, and core-module training, including the Real Estate Lending Program within six months and the Credit Union’s Core Module Program within 12 months of hire. Minimum tier-one lending limits are assigned at this level, and advancement requires a VP/SVP recommendation. The role is based in an office setting with physical proximity to employees and members and some background noise.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Attend Excel and Elevate – New Employee Training (E&E).
Complete the Real Estate Lending Program (RELP) within six months.
Complete the 10 Core Modules after E&E and subsequent training sessions: Checking Accounts; Member Eligibility; Money Market Share Accounts; SECU Policies Overview; Share Accounts; Lending Overview; NCUA Coverage; Cooperative Principles; Member Access; and We Are SECU!
Complete additional required modules: SECU’s Member-Facing Websites; Branch Security Measures; Account Titling & Designations; Funds Transfer; Member Identification; Check Acceptance; MARGO Platform; Account and Profile Maintenance; Advances; and Safe Deposit Boxes.
Complete the Credit Union’s Core Module Program within 12 months of hire as a condition of employment.
Possess the highest level of integrity and objectivity.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate with SECU personnel, VPs, SVPs, attorneys, members, appraisers, realtors, and others.
Have strong networking and relationship-development skills.
Meet compliance and regulatory standards and make lending decisions consistent with SECU loan policies.
Have or be eligible to be registered as an active MLO with the NMLS.
Be organized and meticulous.
Be willing to engage in ongoing training and professional development and complete quarterly and other training assigned by management.
Have basic computer skills and the ability to learn more complex application-processing and loan-servicing software.
Speak and write English fluently.
Understand and be dedicated to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
Adhere to the Credit Union’s work schedule and attendance policies.
Be able to comprehend and carry out job requirements.
Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and telephone keypad, lift a telephone receiver, and operate a telephone; lift up to 10–15 pounds.
Meet the VP/SVP recommendation requirement for advancement to this level.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, CCUE Certification, or Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree via the North Carolina Community College Transfer Program (NC-CTP).
Previous SECU and/or lending experience.
Completion of all requirements of the Associate MSO position; at a minimum, learn notary duties, safe-deposit-box entrance, opening and closing the branch, front-desk duties, other dual-control assistance as needed, and approving wires and cashier’s checks.

Responsibilities

Receive and assist with completion of real estate loan applications, serving as applicants’ primary point of contact during origination.
Assess and underwrite loan applications, considering creditworthiness, ability to repay, collateral valuation, and organizational risk; make recommendations and communicate approval or denial decisions professionally.
Evaluate and verify income documentation, including personal and business tax returns.
Counsel prospective home buyers and existing homeowners, take complete and accurate loan applications, and obtain required documentation to facilitate initial approval, seeking assistance when needed.
Seek guidance from an MLS or above for complex lending situations and approval authority.
Stay current on market trends, interest rates, and changes in lending policies and regulations.
Assist members with servicing existing mortgage and home equity loans.
Follow up with prequalified applicants and other leads in a timely and effective manner.
Price and disclose loan applications by determining applicable interest rates and fees based on factors such as creditworthiness, loan amount, term, and market conditions.
Coordinate member engagement with the Real Estate Lending Processing Center within Loan Administration.
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of real estate lending products, policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
Educate members about available services and refer them to other Credit Union products and services based on their needs.
Maintain well-documented, easy-to-review application history notes in the Loan Origination System.
Assist with mortgage lending calls through the Lending Contact Center when needed.
Support branch employees with real estate lending needs and provide information to help them refer applicants.
Use contact and follow-up reports to cultivate member engagement throughout the home-buying process.
Assist with community engagement, including meeting realtors and other third parties and attending community events to build and maintain mortgage loan volume.
Handle consumer unsecured lending as assigned.
Answer phones and perform clerical duties as needed.
Complete additional tasks assigned by management.
Participate in additional training and continuing education related to mortgage originations.
Complete required training programs, courses, examinations, and quarterly training.
Complete duties associated with the Associate MSO position as required, including specified branch and dual-control tasks.
Make lending decisions consistent with SECU loan policies and meet compliance and regulatory standards.
Adhere to the work schedule and attendance policies established by the Credit Union.
Consistently demonstrate SECU’s Core Values and uphold the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.