Bankruptcy & Legal Specialist

Founded by a small group of educators, Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union (MSGCU) has been providing quality financial services to the community for more than 70 years and welcomes everyone in Michigan to bank with us. We are financial champions committed to helping our members achieve financial success by rallying behind them and their goals. As the sixth largest Credit Union in Michigan, MSGCU has 24 branch offices in southeast Michigan, over 450 team members, 150,000 members, $4 billion in assets, and a 97% member satisfaction rating for two decades. We are a caring organization that strives to ensure an equitable and inclusive culture where everyone is valued and respected.

About the role

Mitigates MSGCU’s losses and expenses through proper handling and oversight of bankruptcy accounts and accounts placed for legal remedies. Develops strong relationships with our legal partners and vendors and ensures proper billing and appropriate use of resources. Performs a wide range of support functions necessary for the daily operations of the Repayment Department.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and maintains full and proper files for bankruptcy and legal remedy accounts and ensures the files are sent to the attorney.
• Informs legal counsel of all aspects of bankruptcy situations.
• Coordinates and manages the duties of bankruptcy including petitions, claims, dismissals, reaffirmations, and discharges to be completed or assigned as needed.
• Liaisons to assigned attorneys and trustees as the direct contact person for legally assigned cases.
• Provides any needed account information, files, or updates to attorneys for all legally assigned cases.
• Carefully reviews attorney services and expenses with regular statements to ensure proper billing.
• Files claims or court documents as requested by the Repayment Manager to mitigate losses to the organization.
• Represents MSGCU in an informational capacity at court hearings as needed.
• Monitors the PACER system for activity related to MSGCU members.
• Prepares and files accounts to outside legal counsel for legal action.
• Tracks, updates, and performs file maintenance on legal proceedings including judgments, writs, and garnishments.
• Provides monthly and quarterly reports regarding bankruptcy, legal account numbers and losses.
• Follows established guidelines for bankruptcy requirements regarding troubled debt restructuring.
• Performs file maintenance on loan modifications, loan workouts, bankruptcy reaffirmations, and settlement accounts.
• Completes IRS 1099 tracking records for settlement accounts.
• Assists with contacting members and other MSGCU departments on behalf of the Repayment team to resolve various issues associated with delinquency, titling, CPI, or other issues.

Requirements

• Associate degree or the equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience; and 3 years of collections experience with at least 1 year focused on bankruptcy laws and fair debt collection practice law.
• Experience collecting mortgage modification, Fannie Mae, FHA, and indirect loan delinquency strongly desired.
• Minimum high school diploma or GED required.
• Knowledge of accounting records and mathematical proficiency.
• Working knowledge of credit reporting, disputes, and E-Oscar system.
• Knowledge of bankruptcy proceedings and PACER system.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.

Skills

• Member Focus: Uses active listening skills to gain understanding and determine the needs of others in order to resolve problems, build strong relationships (internal/external), and deliver member-centric solutions.
• Action Oriented: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm. High level of reliability, thoroughness, attention to detail and accuracy. Possesses strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Communicates Effectively: Communicates effectively regarding the essential functions of the Repayment Department to audiences with varying needs and abilities; possesses excellent follow up skills.
• Instills Trust: Builds relationships and gains the confidence of others by modeling honesty, integrity, authenticity, and behaviors that align with organizational values. Exemplifies courage by stepping up to address difficult issues.
• Self-Development: Actively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged using formal and informal development channels. Proven ability to quickly understand and apply computer/technology applications.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize process improvement and make recommendations for improvements. May work with IT Department to finalize these improvements.

Working Conditions

Office and branch location environment with little discomfort from noise, extreme temperature, dust, or other factors. Occasionally required to travel throughout MSGCU's service area as business needs require. Exposed to potentially hazardous conditions, such as robbery. Receives detailed instructions and security procedures on an annual basis to minimize risk.

This work involves sitting most of the time with brief periods of walking or standing and may occasionally require lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds.

Pay

Base pay starts at $24.10 / hour.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage starting on your first day.
• Option to choose the most generous Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible medical plan with no monthly premium for you (and your family).
• 3% contribution from MSGCU to your 401(k) if you are at least 21 years old, plus a 100% match for the next 7% you contribute.
• 12 paid holidays and up to 120 hours of PTO your first year of service (pro-rated based on start date).
• Discounts on loans and phone service.