Lending Specialist 1

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach•Long Beach, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lending Specialist provides prompt, high-quality customer service while collaborating with a team across multiple branches and regional lending personnel. The role performs loan processing, documentation, and portfolio-management functions, including preparing loan worksheets and forms, reviewing complex entity documentation, facilitating loan signings, maintaining electronic loan files, perfecting loan collateral, servicing loans, monitoring covenants, and resolving customer inquiries and concerns. The position supports loan officers and other departments to ensure accurate, timely processing and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, bank policies, and security procedures. It provides regional support to additional branches as assigned by the Regional Lending Specialist Coordinator. The role requires an active Notary Commission and includes performing notarial services as needed, participating in lending training, and contributing to team meetings and process improvements. This is a non-exempt position with an hourly compensation range of $22.50–$33.50. It is classified as non-sensitive and is not subject to the annual minimum absence requirement, and it is not eligible for an Officer Title. Work is primarily performed in an office environment with controlled temperature and standard office conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Active Notary Commission.
Knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), FDIC insurance, and the listed banking regulations: Regulation B (ECOA), Regulation BB (CRA), Regulation CC (Funds Availability), Regulation DD (Truth in Savings), Regulation E (EFT), Regulation H (Flood Insurance), Regulation X (RESPA), and Regulation Z (TILA).
Knowledge of loan products and loan documentation, new account procedures, general banking operations, complaint documentation and resolution, privacy and customer data protection, safe deposit box procedures, security and robbery response protocols, and UCC filings and searches.
Strong foundational mathematics and analytical skills, critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong customer service and client support skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Accurate and efficient typing and data-entry skills.
Strong time-management and organizational abilities, active listening, and ability to quickly learn new processes.
Effective written and verbal communication and professional interpersonal skills, including respectful collaboration with supervisors and colleagues.
Ability to remain calm and professional when managing difficult or upset individuals; assess concerns, resolve issues independently, and escalate appropriately when needed.
Ability to perform repetitive office and computer-based movements, sit and/or stand for extended periods, lift, carry, or move objects up to 25 pounds, and use hands and fingers to operate office equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Up to one year of commercial loan processing experience or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

Verify borrower information and supporting documentation throughout the loan application process.
Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies in loan origination and servicing with minimal supervisory oversight.
Review organizational and entity documentation to determine authorized signers and validate approval authorities.
Ensure compliance with Customer Identification Program (CIP) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements.
Initiate and manage orders for appraisals, credit reports, UCC searches, and other underwriting due diligence items.
Prepare loan worksheets for approval, coordinate document preparation, and review loan documents for accuracy and completeness.
Compile and manage closing documentation, facilitate loan signings, and support smooth loan closings.
Maintain and organize electronic loan files in Laserfiche according to internal standards.
Support portfolio management by tracking post-closing items, monitoring loan maturities, and collecting annual financial statements.
Provide regional support to additional branches as assigned by the Regional Lending Specialist Coordinator.
Follow federal and state regulations, internal policies, and bank security procedures.
Collaborate with cross-functional departments to achieve timely and accurate loan processing outcomes.
Maintain an active Notary Commission and perform Notary Public services as required.
Participate in lending training, team meetings, and process improvements.
Comply with applicable banking laws, regulations, and internal policies, including BSA, AML, OFAC, CIP, financial elder abuse reporting, harassment prevention, information security, and privacy requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law.