FSA Specialist

First Guaranty Bank•Abbeville, LA

About The Position

The FSA Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety and soundness of the bank’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan portfolio. The role includes underwriting, closing, servicing, and monitoring guaranteed and non-guaranteed agricultural loans. It requires discretion, integrity, sound judgment, and initiative, and reports directly to the FSA Manager. The position works with farmers, loan officers, branches, and other bank departments on agricultural lending matters. The employee performs loan analysis and documentation, monitors accounts and delinquent loans, and supports collections and FSA reporting. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and frequently to use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Occasional activities include standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The role occasionally requires lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment is usually moderately noisy. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural and FSA lending is preferred.
Proven ability to work directly with loan officers and their customers.
Strong collaboration skills across divisions and departments within the bank.
Ability to perform the essential duties proficiently, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Conduct annual meetings with farmers to update budgets, readvances, holds, land plans, and other relevant information.
Underwrite and analyze farm loans for compliance with bank and FSA policies and procedures.
Review and approve crop sale requests related to the Mills.
Allocate funds from crop sales and government payments to appropriate loan accounts.
Monitor branch deposit accounts, including FSA and NRCS accounts.
Prepare and package guaranteed loan documentation and provide support to others in this process.
Serve as a resource for branches and departments on agricultural lending matters.
Order and review title reports, appraisals, UCC searches, and closing documents; prepare documentation using LaserPro and Abrigo as needed.
Assist with documentation, filing, and monitoring of FSA loss claims, including charge-offs, extensions, and reschedules.
Maintain delinquent loan records for FSA reporting and default status updates.
Support collection efforts by contacting delinquent account holders.
Monitor branch general ledgers, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
Administer Experian credit bureau access, including user setup and monitoring.
Follow other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties as assigned.