Senior Mortgage Underwriter

WORKERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION•Wyandotte, MI

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

FUNCTION: Responsible for underwriting first mortgages and home equity loan applications. Ensures all files are complete and compliant with Workers Credit Union policies, investor requirements, mortgage insurance standards, and applicable government loan regulations. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Underwrites first mortgage loans in compliance with all secondary market requirements, private mortgage insurance requirements, regulatory requirements and Workers Credit Union policies. Underwrites home equity loans in accordance with private mortgage insurance requirements, regulatory requirements and Workers Credit Union policies. Evaluates borrower creditworthiness and collateral to determine loan eligibility and assess overall risk to the credit union. Exercises sound judgment in approving, suspending, or denying loan applications based on a comprehensive risk analysis. Uses analytic tools (i.e. Collateral Underwriter, fraud prevention, etc.) in the risk assessment of the loan to determine requirements to meet legal and investor requirements. Ensures underwriting decisions align with the credit union’s risk appetite, lending policies, and regulatory requirements. Remains current on investor and mortgage insurance guidelines. Prepares commitment letter for home equity and first mortgage loans. Clears loans for closing by ensuring pre-closing conditions have been satisfied. Reviews and decisions subordination requests according to loan policy. Provides the origination staff with support for the review of preapprovals. Uses knowledge of investor and mortgage insurance guidelines along with loan policy to not only approve loans as submitted but to restructure loans as required to obtain an approval. Tracks key milestones such as contingencies, closing dates, and rate lock expirations; communicate proactively with all applicable teams. Collaborates with internal stakeholders to resolve complex loan issues and ensure timely decision-making. Prepares and issue revised Loan Estimates in compliance with TRID for any changes in circumstance. Maintains confidentiality of all data. Upholds the Workers Credit Union “Workers Way” culture through daily interactions and behaviors. Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals. Additional Responsibilities for Senior Mortgage Underwriter: Serves as a subject matter expert and resource for junior underwriters, providing guidance on complex loan scenarios, regulatory compliance, and internal procedures. Serves as a key decision-maker in loan policy exceptions, providing rationale and risk mitigation strategies. Supports the training and onboarding of new team members and temporary staff in collaboration with underwriting leadership. Takes ownership of high-volume or high-complexity pipelines including high-balance, non-conforming, or exception-based loans. Leads or participate in departmental initiatives aimed at improving underwriting efficiency, compliance, and member experience. Supports the implementation of policy updates, system enhancements, and procedural changes in coordination with mortgage underwriting leadership Other Duties: May be asked to provide coverage in other WCU branches or departments. Adhere to all WCU policies and procedures which include security compliance and following guidelines intended to limit risk exposure to fraud and losses. Participates in department and/or organizational projects as directed. Performs other tasks or functions as required, requested, necessary or prudent. Maintains confidentiality of all member and credit union information and data. Regularly demonstrates behaviors as defined by the credit union’s Fundamentals, which are part of the Workers Way culture program.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent Required.
2-5 years of experience in secondary mortgage underwriting. Knowledgeable in real estate lending guidelines and regulations including secondary market. Skilled in evaluating borrower credit, collateral, and capacity in accordance with investor and regulatory guidelines. Proficient in using loan origination systems (LOS) and automated underwriting systems (AUS). Known for sound judgment, attention to detail, efficiency in pipeline management, and effective communication with Originators, Processors, and Closers to ensure timely and accurate closings.
5-8 years of experience in secondary mortgage underwriting, including complex loan types such as jumbo, construction, non-conforming and portfolio products. Demonstrated ability to assess risk, make high-level credit decisions, and mentor junior underwriters. Experienced in leading underwriting process improvements and maintaining high-quality standards in a fast-paced environment. Recognized for attention to detail, leadership, and commitment to confidentiality and organizational values.
A successful Underwriter demonstrates deep knowledge of mortgage products, investor guidelines, and regulatory requirements (including TRID, RESPA, and HMDA). Proficient in loan origination systems (LOS), AUS platforms, and document management tools. Strong analytical and decision-making skills are essential for assessing credit risk and ensuring sound underwriting decisions. Must be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities. The role requires confidentiality, adaptability, and collaboration with internal teams to ensure efficient, compliant, and risk-aligned loan underwriting.

Responsibilities

Underwrites first mortgage loans in compliance with all secondary market requirements, private mortgage insurance requirements, regulatory requirements and Workers Credit Union policies.
Underwrites home equity loans in accordance with private mortgage insurance requirements, regulatory requirements and Workers Credit Union policies.
Evaluates borrower creditworthiness and collateral to determine loan eligibility and assess overall risk to the credit union.
Exercises sound judgment in approving, suspending, or denying loan applications based on a comprehensive risk analysis.
Uses analytic tools (i.e. Collateral Underwriter, fraud prevention, etc.) in the risk assessment of the loan to determine requirements to meet legal and investor requirements.
Ensures underwriting decisions align with the credit union’s risk appetite, lending policies, and regulatory requirements.
Remains current on investor and mortgage insurance guidelines.
Prepares commitment letter for home equity and first mortgage loans.
Clears loans for closing by ensuring pre-closing conditions have been satisfied.
Reviews and decisions subordination requests according to loan policy.
Provides the origination staff with support for the review of preapprovals.
Uses knowledge of investor and mortgage insurance guidelines along with loan policy to not only approve loans as submitted but to restructure loans as required to obtain an approval.
Tracks key milestones such as contingencies, closing dates, and rate lock expirations; communicate proactively with all applicable teams.
Collaborates with internal stakeholders to resolve complex loan issues and ensure timely decision-making.
Prepares and issue revised Loan Estimates in compliance with TRID for any changes in circumstance.
Maintains confidentiality of all data.
Upholds the Workers Credit Union “Workers Way” culture through daily interactions and behaviors.
Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.
Serves as a subject matter expert and resource for junior underwriters, providing guidance on complex loan scenarios, regulatory compliance, and internal procedures.
Serves as a key decision-maker in loan policy exceptions, providing rationale and risk mitigation strategies.
Supports the training and onboarding of new team members and temporary staff in collaboration with underwriting leadership.
Takes ownership of high-volume or high-complexity pipelines including high-balance, non-conforming, or exception-based loans.
Leads or participate in departmental initiatives aimed at improving underwriting efficiency, compliance, and member experience.
Supports the implementation of policy updates, system enhancements, and procedural changes in coordination with mortgage underwriting leadership
May be asked to provide coverage in other WCU branches or departments.
Adhere to all WCU policies and procedures which include security compliance and following guidelines intended to limit risk exposure to fraud and losses.
Participates in department and/or organizational projects as directed.
Performs other tasks or functions as required, requested, necessary or prudent.
Maintains confidentiality of all member and credit union information and data.
Regularly demonstrates behaviors as defined by the credit union’s Fundamentals, which are part of the Workers Way culture program.