Loan Underwriting Officer

Discover the Westmark Difference!!

Are you looking for a career? Do you want to be valued as an individual on a team? Do you want to learn, grow, and make a difference in your community? Westmark offers outstanding stability, a variety of career opportunities and exceptional work/life balance.

• 60 % of our employees have been part of the Westmark family for 5 years.
• 71% of our employees who have been part of the Westmark family for one year or more have received at least one promotion.
• 85% of our managers were promoted from within the company.
• Westmark has been in business since 1954 and has recently grown to over $1.2 billion in assets, 15 branches, and over 70,000 members!

We also have some of the most impressive benefits in the industry:

• Paid Time Off (3 to 5 weeks per year, depending on tenure) PLUS 11 paid holidays.
• Excellent health insurance options for employees and family with shared premiums
• 401k with 75% company match and 2% profit sharing contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships
• Employee Assistance Program (Free counseling and legal services)

Position Summary: The Loan Underwriting Officer is responsible for underwriting loan applications within consumer lending authority according to Credit Union policies. This position requires a proactive and friendly individual who can handle a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The Loan Underwriting Officer plays a key role in enhancing the relationship between the Credit Union, members, and branch lenders and contributing to the overall success of the Credit Union.

Schedule: Average of 36-40 hours within a Monday through Saturday work week

Hybrid eligible

Lending Responsibility:

• Review application and credit reports in the loan origination system.
• Accept loan related phone calls directly and transferred from the contact center.
• Approve loans with established Level 1 consumer lending authority and obtain approval for loans outside of lending authority.
• Communicate loan decisions to applicants in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of lending regulations and compliance requirements.

Interdepartmental Relationships:

• Build strong relationships with branch and contact center employees through effective communication and collaboration.
• Assist branch lenders in completing loan applications and ensure all information is correct.
• Perform tax analysis for self-employed borrowers when necessary.
• Efficiently and accurately prepare loan documents for Home Equity, Second Mortgage, and Short-Term First Mortgage loans for branch lenders to ensure compliance with necessary regulations.

Problem Resolution:

• Handle member complaints and issues with patience and professionalism, working to resolve them effectively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve member questions and discrepancies and to provide effective problem resolution.
• Escalate complex issues to the appropriate department or supervisor as needed.
• Assist internal team members with questions regarding loan decisions.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure all transactions, member interactions, and lending activities comply with Westmark policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay informed about changes in banking regulations and industry standards.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent, Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Previous experience in banking, customer service, or sales, with a strong understanding of lending processes
• In-depth knowledge of financial products, services, and lending regulations.
• General loan underwriting understanding.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications including MS Office.
• Commitment to providing outstanding member service and maintaining member confidentiality.

Key Competencies:

• Member focus
• Self-starter
• Sales Acumen
• Goal Oriented
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Team Collaboration
• Integrity
• Accountability

Physical Requirements:

• Manual Dexterity and hand-eye coordination for tasks such as typing and operating office equipment.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Visual and auditory abilities to understand and communicate with the public.
• Repetitive motion using wrists, hands, and fingers.

Westmark Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.