Collector - Middletown, NY

About the role

Are you a strong communicator who enjoys helping people navigate challenging financial situations? As a Collector, you’ll play an important role in helping members find practical solutions while managing delinquent accounts with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment. This is a hands-on role that combines member service, problem-solving, financial administration, and regulatory compliance, and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for both our members and the credit union.

Responsibilities

• Contact distressed members to determine the extent of their hardship and their ability to pay the account currently and in the foreseeable future.
• Counsel members on available alternatives to eliminate the delinquency to include hardship, settlements and other programs.
• Perform general collection duties received through e-Requests, including deferments, payment postings and other collection‑related requests.
• Negotiate appropriate short‑term payment arrangements.
• Provide status updates to members.
• Place outbound calls, as well as receive inbound calls internally/externally.
• Record all collection efforts via the collection system ensuring that all accounts are called and noted accurately.
• Conduct research, ordering payment copies, credit bureau reports, statements, and credit applications as necessary, to support collection efforts.
• Discuss with Collections Manager or the Loss Mitigation & Asset Recovery Specialist for accounts where actions beyond routine collection procedures are required.
• Escalate calls and/or problem accounts to the Collections Manager or the Loss Mitigation & Asset Recovery Specialist regarding repossession, legal or collection agencies as appropriate.
• Recommend all accounts that are to be written off as un‑collectable.
• Perform responsibilities of position in accordance with federal and state regulations, credit union policies and procedures.
• Process collection checks, i.e., auction proceeds, attorney and outside collection vendors.
• Assist with correspondence related to vendor relationships.
• Bankruptcy referrals notification to outside collections and/or attorney and perform account maintenance through Collections system and core.
• Consistently review and recommend changes to improve workflow, efficiency, accuracy, quality, and internal controls within the Collection Department and other departments of HFCU.
• Distribute, process, and send all Collections department mail and correspondence daily.
• Process and monitor iBanking transactions and requests related to Collections.
• Monitor and assist with monthly General Ledger (GL) Reconciliation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Some college preferred plus two to three years of experience in collections; or a comparable combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of collection process, applicable regulations, and good communication skills.
• Experience using PC‑based software including Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements and ability to comply with all BSA requirements, cooperating with the designated BSA Officer.

Skills

• Ability to always project a professional appearance and positive attitude.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)/Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Supplement Benefits: Critical Illness Care, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Legal Services
• BenefitsPlus+ perks program (travel, entertainment, gift cards and so much more)
• CareNet - benefits concierge service
• 401(k) with 5% Employer Match
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time to Volunteer
• HFCU Logo‑wear (that our employees wear with pride!)

Pay

Salary: $25.89 - $32.37 per hour (depending on experience)