Debt Collector

Community First Bank•New Iberia, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Debt Collector is responsible for managing and collecting delinquent consumer loan accounts while maintaining positive customer relationships. This position works directly with customers to resolve past due obligations, identify repayment solutions, and minimize losses to the Bank. The Debt Collector locates customers, negotiates payment arrangements, monitors high-risk accounts, and recommends appropriate collection actions in accordance with Bank policy and applicable laws and regulations. The position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to customer service while protecting the Bank's assets.

Requirements

Knowledge of consumer lending products, loan documentation, and collection practices.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state collection regulations, including Fair Debt Collection practices and consumer protection requirements.
Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to remain professional and courteous in difficult situations.
Ability to analyze financial information and determine appropriate collection strategies.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple accounts simultaneously.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and banking software systems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of two years of collections, lending, customer service, banking, or related experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in consumer lending or financial institution collections.
Knowledge of loan servicing systems and collection software.
Associate's degree in Business, Finance, or related field.

Responsibilities

Contacts customers regarding delinquent loan accounts through telephone calls, written correspondence, email, and other approved communication methods.
Locates customers and collateral using skip tracing techniques and available resources.
Reviews delinquent accounts and determines appropriate collection strategies based on account status, payment history, and risk level.
Negotiates payment arrangements and repayment plans within approved authority limits.
Maintains detailed documentation of collection efforts, customer conversations, promises to pay, and account resolutions.
Monitors repayment agreements and follows up as necessary to ensure compliance.
Works with customers experiencing financial hardship to identify potential solutions and alternatives.
Investigates account discrepancies and assists customers in resolving issues that may contribute to delinquency.
Recommends repossession, foreclosure, legal action, charge-offs, or other collection remedies when appropriate.
Coordinates with attorneys, repossession agencies, and other third parties as directed.
Assists in the recovery and disposition of repossessed collateral.
Maintains knowledge of collection laws, regulations, and Bank policies to ensure compliance.
Reviews daily, weekly, and monthly delinquency reports and prioritizes collection activities accordingly.
Provides periodic status updates and collection reports to management.
Works closely with lending staff and branch personnel to obtain information needed to resolve delinquent accounts.
Identifies trends and potential risks within the loan portfolio and communicates concerns to management.
Maintains confidentiality of customer information and Bank records.
Provides exceptional customer service while balancing collection objectives and regulatory requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.