Consumer Loan Underwriter

First Fed•Washington, DC

8d•$23 - $39

About The Position

The Consumer Underwriter is accountable for underwriting, documenting, and closing consumer loans in accordance with regulatory requirements, internal policy, and portfolio standards. The role supports sound credit decisions, operational efficiency, and a high-quality customer experience, and serves as a resource to branch personnel on consumer lending programs and processes. The job has three role levels. A Junior Consumer Loan Underwriter provides underwriting support and analytical assistance to the Consumer Credit department, with approval authority up to $50,000, and typically requires two years of related experience or equivalent internal experience. A Consumer Loan Underwriter independently underwrites, processes, and closes consumer and wholesale loans, with approval authority up to $250,000, and typically requires two years of underwriting experience. A Senior Consumer Loan Underwriter serves as a senior underwriting resource, provides mentorship and advanced credit expertise, has approval authority up to $500,000, and typically requires five years of underwriting experience and the ability to perform all duties in the Consumer Credit Department. The role requires operating standard office equipment, communicating effectively in person and remotely, and working in a combination of sitting and standing throughout the day. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The pay range is $22.67–$38.55 per hour, with a typical hiring range of $22.67–$26.02 per hour. The position is eligible for the Partnership Incentive plan Tier 2, paid quarterly with a 7.5% target payout. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plans including a 401(k) with company match and Employee Stock Ownership Plan, gym membership reimbursement, discounts on banking products, and more. First Fed welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Sound judgment in credit and collateral evaluation.
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a deadline-driven environment.
High degree of initiative, accountability, and commitment to continuous learning.
Junior Consumer Loan Underwriter: typically two years of related experience or equivalent internal experience.
Consumer Loan Underwriter: typically two years of underwriting experience.
Senior Consumer Loan Underwriter: typically five years of underwriting experience and ability to perform all duties in the Consumer Credit Department.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in accounting, finance, real estate, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Underwrite and process consumer loans, ensuring complete documentation, regulatory compliance, and adherence to portfolio and wholesale guidelines.
Review borrower credit, income, assets, collateral, pricing, and product eligibility to support sound credit decisions within assigned authority.
Coordinate third-party reports and vendor activity, including title, flood, appraisal, and insurance requirements, to support timely loan closing.
Prepare and review closing documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Maintain current knowledge of lending programs, underwriting standards, policies, procedures, and systems.
Partner across departments and provide guidance to branch personnel to support service excellence and consistent loan quality.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
For the junior level, provide underwriting support and analytical assistance to the Consumer Credit department.
For the consumer underwriter level, independently underwrite, process, and close consumer and wholesale loans.
For the senior level, provide mentorship and advanced credit expertise and perform all duties in the Consumer Credit Department.