Default Specialist - Claims Oversight

UWM•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

The Default Specialist-Claims Oversight is responsible for managing and monitoring mortgage loans involved in late-stage delinquency, including the business areas of Claims, REO and Property Preservation. Specifically, this role will oversee all component servicing activities involving default servicing, ensuring all loans are serviced in compliance with investor guidelines, internal policies, processes and SLA’s, and all applicable federal/state laws and regulations. The specialist will also oversee and play a critical role in developing, testing and enhancing the in-house servicing platform to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant claim filing and reimbursement processes for government (FHA, VA, USDA) and investor (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) insured loans. This position is responsible for monitoring claim activities, identifying trends or discrepancies, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to maximize recovery and minimize loss exposure. WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING Oversee property preservation and REO servicing activities to ensure compliance with State/Federal law/code, CFPB regulations, and investor (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA) guidelines. Interpret and apply investor guidance related to allowable property preservation actions, REO maintenance, repair limits, expense caps and documentation standards. Review, implement and validate all preservation actions (e.g., securing, winterization, lawn maintenance, debris removal, emergency repairs, general inspections) comply with investor thresholds and authorization requirements. Partner with Vendor Management and monitor property preservation vendor performance and cost controls. Identify and escalate any compliance issues or servicing errors. Document account activity thoroughly for audit and regulatory purposes. Oversee the end-to-end claims process for mortgage loans involving foreclosure, bankruptcy, property preservation, loss mitigation, or other servicing-related events. Conduct root cause analysis on denied or curtailed claims and recommend corrective actions. Monitor timelines to ensure claims are filed and followed up on within required deadlines. Audit and analyze claim documentation and data for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to applicable guidelines. Serve as a subject matter expert on claims processes and policies related to FHA, VA, USDA, FNMA, FHLMC, and private investors. Communicate with internal departments (foreclosure, bankruptcy, loss mitigation, property preservation, etc.) to gather required documentation and resolve discrepancies. Track and report claim performance metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement. Assist in the development and maintenance of procedures, workflows, and training materials for claims handling. Participate in audits, quality control reviews, and regulatory exams as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
3 + years of experience with servicing systems (e.g., MSP/Black Knight) and/or legal tracking platforms (e.g., LPS, Tempo).
5+ years of experience in mortgage servicing: foreclosure, legal support, or a related financial services role, with a preference for claims, REO and/or property preservation related experience.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor’s degree
Experience working with investor guidelines (FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac).
Prior experience in claims auditing or oversight.
Understanding of property preservation, foreclosure timelines, and reimbursement processes.
Knowledge of servicing compliance requirements (e.g., CFPB, HUD regulations).
Experience working with national foreclosure counsel or law firms.
Understanding of other areas of default servicing (bankruptcy, loss mitigation, REO) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee property preservation and REO servicing activities to ensure compliance with State/Federal law/code, CFPB regulations, and investor (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA) guidelines.
Interpret and apply investor guidance related to allowable property preservation actions, REO maintenance, repair limits, expense caps and documentation standards.
Review, implement and validate all preservation actions (e.g., securing, winterization, lawn maintenance, debris removal, emergency repairs, general inspections) comply with investor thresholds and authorization requirements.
Partner with Vendor Management and monitor property preservation vendor performance and cost controls.
Identify and escalate any compliance issues or servicing errors.
Document account activity thoroughly for audit and regulatory purposes.
Oversee the end-to-end claims process for mortgage loans involving foreclosure, bankruptcy, property preservation, loss mitigation, or other servicing-related events.
Conduct root cause analysis on denied or curtailed claims and recommend corrective actions.
Monitor timelines to ensure claims are filed and followed up on within required deadlines.
Audit and analyze claim documentation and data for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to applicable guidelines.
Serve as a subject matter expert on claims processes and policies related to FHA, VA, USDA, FNMA, FHLMC, and private investors.
Communicate with internal departments (foreclosure, bankruptcy, loss mitigation, property preservation, etc.) to gather required documentation and resolve discrepancies.
Track and report claim performance metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
Assist in the development and maintenance of procedures, workflows, and training materials for claims handling.
Participate in audits, quality control reviews, and regulatory exams as needed.

Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO) after just 30 days
Additional parental and maternity leave benefits after 12 months
Adoption reimbursement program
Paid volunteer hours
Paid training and career development
Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
401k with employer match
Mortgage discount and area business discounts
Free membership to our large, state-of-the-art fitness center, including exercise classes such as yoga and Zumba, various sports leagues and a full-size basketball court
Wellness area, including an in-house primary-care physician’s office, full-time massage therapist and hair salon
Gourmet cafeteria featuring homemade breakfast and lunch
Convenience store featuring healthy grab-and-go snacks
In-house Starbucks and Dunkin
Indoor/outdoor café with Wi-Fi