Specialty Lending Associate

Job Summary

The Specialty Lending Associate plays a key role in supporting the loan and consumer deposit account origination and processing teams by handling essential pre-loan, post-loan, and account opening administrative tasks. This includes acting in a capacity similar to a title clerk; gathering critical documentation and data; verifying asset ownership and member identity; and retrieving files required for loan underwriting, deposit account setup, compliance, and closing. This position ensures the accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance of loan and consumer deposit account packages and helps streamline specialty lending and virtual channel operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Title-Related Duties:

• Review and verify title documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with title companies, DMV offices, or other relevant agencies to obtain title information.
• Identify and resolve title discrepancies or issues.
• Ensure proper documentation for vehicle liens, ownership transfers, or payoff information.

Data Gathering & Documentation:

• Collect borrower financial information and supporting documentation (e.g., bank statements, income verification, asset statements).
• Obtain third-party reports such as appraisals, credit reports, UCC filings, and insurance certificates.
• Enter and update member and loan data into MeridianLink.
• Maintain accurate and organized digital files in compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

Loan File Management:

• Retrieve and compile loan files for underwriting and audit review.
• Track document status and follow up on outstanding items.
• Ensure all necessary documentation is received prior to loan closing.
• Assist with post-closing document verification and quality control.

Communication & Coordination:

• Act as a liaison between borrowers, internal teams, title companies, and external partners.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries regarding loan documentation and file status.
• Collaborate with loan officers, underwriters, and closing staff to ensure timely loan processing.

Consumer Deposit Account Support:

• Support new consumer deposit account opening for Specialty and Virtual Channels, including checking, savings, and related consumer account products.
• Collect, review, and verify required consumer account documentation in accordance with CIP, KYC, and BSA/AML regulatory requirements.
• Ensure consumer account applications are accurate, complete, and properly authorized prior to account opening and funding.
• Enter, update, and maintain consumer deposit account information within MeridianLink and DNA core systems.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Verify member identity, account ownership, and signer authority for consumer deposit accounts.
• Review documentation for consumer accounts to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards.
• Identify and resolve documentation discrepancies, missing information, or compliance exceptions in a timely manner.

Coordination & Member Support:

• Serve as a point of contact for internal teams and virtual channel partners regarding consumer deposit account status.
• Communicate with members to obtain additional documentation or clarification needed to complete account opening.
• Coordinate with operations and compliance teams to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant consumer account setup.

Qualification Requirements

Technology:

• Employees are required to use the Microsoft Authenticator app on their personal cell phone to securely authenticate Outlook and other company systems; the app does not access personal data that exists on the mobile device.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate's degree preferred

Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in loan processing, account opening, title work, or related administrative role
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of deposit accounts and loan types
• Good communication and people skills
• Comfortable using computers and software like Microsoft Office and email
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Experience working with title agencies or in a dealership finance department
• Knowledge of UCC filings, lien perfection, and title laws across multiple states

Salary: The base pay for this position is $22.50/hr. A $.50 premium may be added if the applicant is able to demonstrate a proficiency in both English & Spanish (oral & written).

Benefits:

We offer a range of benefits and perks based on eligibility. These benefits include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term (STD) & Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Company Paid Employee Basic Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance for Spouse & Child(ren)
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)/ Health Savings Account (HAS): Pre-taxed funds available to pay for some health-related expenses
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discount on Loans, Travel, Tickets, and More!
• 401k Match of up to 5% + A Free Annual Retirement Planning Session
• 11 Paid Company Holidays
• Up to 8 paid hours for community volunteerism
• Full time employees accrue 40 hours of sick, 10 days of PTO, & 1 personal holiday annually. PTO increases to 15 days after the 1st completed year!

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands require a person to remain seated for up to ten (10) hours per day and perform repetitive hand movements on a keyboard.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties of the position. If you need to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 856-232-9000 ext. 5104 or via email to HR@firstharvestcu.com.

First Harvest Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of First Harvest Credit Union.