Intake Specialist I

Ascendus, Inc. • New York, NY

9d • $45,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The Intake Specialist I serves as the first impression of Ascendus and plays a critical role in expanding access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs. This position is responsible for converting prospective borrowers into qualified applicants through exceptional customer service, timely follow-up, effective needs assessment, and seamless coordination with the lending team. The Intake Specialist helps ensure every eligible entrepreneur has a positive experience while supporting efficient pipeline management and loan production. The Intake Specialist I will report to the Lending Manager, Northeast and Expansion Team.

Requirements

• Bilingual – English and Spanish required.
• Knowledge of Salesforce, selling loan products and financial statement analysis.
• Strong customer relationship management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Portuguese a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage inbound inquiries across multiple channels while maintaining established response-time standards.
• Track all leads systematically in Loan Operating System and reports any system issues to manager and report through ticketing system.
• Convert eligible childcare and priority program leads into completed Fast Track applications.
• Remain current on lending guidelines to lead applicants appropriately through the lending process and additional services.
• Deliver a high-quality client experience that reflects our mission, professionalism and commitment to financial inclusion: Following up with client calls, applications, and emails within 24 hours. Documenting interactions with customers by entering notes in Loan Operating System.
• Create and Maintain RDLs, email templates, and canned responses on live chat up to date.
• Ensure consistency between internal guidelines and external communication (including website).
• Manage specific program pipelines and send emails to facilitate applicants through our process and/or to promote new programs to qualified applicants.
• Provide Technical Assistance to Active Portfolio scheduling at least 1 Technical Assistance Session per Quarter (to LIIF and SBA clients) covering at the minimum the following topics: Credit Analysis: Pull Credit Report and review - Work with small business owners to identify strengths and weaknesses in credit and business practices. Provide two to three recommendations to improve credit and/or provide a partner referral. Cash Flow Analysis: Review of the last Quarter Bank Statements. General Biz Coaching: Discuss relevant changes on the Biz Model such as: New Biz Partner, New Legal Entity/Structure, New Biz Location & New Market channels, New Products or additional services offered, New Assets vs New Liabilities (debt) acquired.
• When appropriate: Correct Negative Payment Behaviors: Refer client to our Payment Support Department. Offer Ascendus Step-Up Loan.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions toward medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
• Employer-paid HRA card for medical-related expenses such as co-pays and prescriptions.
• Monthly mobile phone stipend of $30.
• Eligibility for 401(K) participation after 30 days of employment, and employer-match of up to 3% of annual salary.
• Flexible time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree