Collections Specialist

Summary:  Initiates contact with debtors at any stage of delinquency until charge off to collect past due payments on both accounts and loans (secured and unsecured) which include personal, auto and mortgages.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.   

Bilingual Requirements: 

• Spanish fluency required 
• 1 years of previous billing or collections experience 
• Ability to prioritize and multitask work with a high-level of efficiency and attention to detail 
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for payments and adjustments 
• Strong communication skills, including writing and typing 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned. 

•  Negotiate and obtain payment arrangements on past due loans and accounts.

•  Research and analyze accounts utilizing all available resources and skip tracing techniques to locate debtors and any relevant credit information pertaining to the debtor.  

• Process ECM payments. 

• Maintain solutions-based collection practices with assurance member information is kept up to date.  

• Examines historical data and evaluates past collection efforts to verify current account status. 

• Maintains complete records on all accounts including, but not limited to, detailed documentation of collection efforts and transactions. 

• Works all accounts in an assigned queue and performs all actions necessary to specific account situations. 

• Handles field chases when necessary. 

• Maintains organized and current physical files for open account circumstances such as repossession, insurance, and bankruptcy. 

• Organizes and maintains all incoming and outgoing written communication as they pertain to accounts or the department. 

• Receives all legal correspondence and ensures that information is transferred to the legal representative in a timely manner for litigation purposes such as foreclosure, bankruptcy, judgments and other legal recommendations. 

• Works directly with outside vendors responsible for performing services on the credit union’s behalf. 

• Adheres to all credit union and departmental policies and procedures. 

• Maintains a consistent level of professionalism at all times with the debtor, co-workers, management and other departments and vendors. 

• Adhere to all collection government laws and regulations including FDCPA. 

• This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.  

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education/Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Language Ability

Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Math Ability

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. 

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software; Accounting software; Internet software, Database software and have a willingness (and then be proficient) to learn DataSafe, the credit union’s data processing system. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.