Loan Originator/Assistant

Heritage Bank NA•Willmar, MN

12d•$45,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Loan Originator/Assistant works closely with a Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO) and plays an integral role in the mortgage lending process. This position has three primary roles: Serves as the loan officer assistant for the branch MLO, sources 2-3 new organic loans a month for the branch MLO, and originates home equity loans, new construction loans, employee loans and other miscellaneous loan products that are deemed necessary.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in loan processing, loan officer assistance, or related mortgage/lending role preferred.
Proficiency in Encompass loan origination software is preferred.
Familiarity with mortgage regulations, including TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure), loan disclosures, and adverse action notices.
Experience in ordering and tracking appraisals, title reports, verifications of employment (VOEs), and insurance.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple files and deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
High attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment

Responsibilities

Provides critical support to Mortgage Loan Officers by helping manage the loan pipeline and ensuring a seamless loan experience for borrowers.
Manages the loan file from Loan Officer handoff through underwriting pre approval and disclosure preparation.
Independently evaluates borrower eligibility, runs automated underwriting systems, gathers and organizes necessary documentation, and maintains consistent communication with all stakeholders.
Collect, organize, and validate/review all required paperwork (e.g., income, credit, identification) according to investor and program guidelines.
Maintain ongoing communication with borrowers to provide updates, collect outstanding documents, and resolve questions or concerns.
Interpret and apply agency and investor guidelines (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA; Non QM as applicable). Identify eligibility risks, overlays, and constraints early in the process before handing file off to Loan Processing. Including restructures in the event a file needs a restructure after sending to loan processing or underwriting.
Evaluate borrower eligibility by analyzing credit reports, income, assets, and automated underwriting findings; report results to the MLO or supervisor.
Assemble and deliver complete loan files to the processing team for submission to underwriting.
Complete income calculations for all loan files as requested by the Loan Officer using the designated income calculation vendor tool, ensuring accuracy and consistency in borrower qualification assessments.
Assist MLOs with client communication and follow-up to enhance the borrower experience and support successful loan closings.
Perform data entry, maintain system records, schedule appointments, and assist with general clerical duties.
Ensure timely and compliant communication updates are provided to borrowers, referral partners, and real estate agents throughout the loan application lifecycle by leveraging the Loan Origination System (LOS) and vendor tools such as Bonzo and nCino, while maintaining strict adherence to Nonpublic Personal Information (NPI) regulations.
Self-source and originate loans in their market.
Credit Xpert for the bank.
Originate HELOC’s for branch.
Originate MN Housing Finance Agency Fix Up loans for all the MLO’s.
Originate Construction Loans for the branch.
Originate employee loans for the bank.
Assist MLO in data mining opportunities in CRM (i.e. refi’s, denials, withdrawn, post close, old pre-approvals. This is at the request of the MLO as it is their primary accountability.
Participates in all required BSA training and demonstrates knowledge of BSA relative to job responsibilities.
Responsible for security as it applies to this position.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support team and organizational goals.