Consumer Loan Underwriter

Location

Located at our Longview, WA office (this is not a remote position).

Compensation

Wage Range: $28.81 – $45.01. The target pay range is typically within the first half of the range. Compensation decisions are based on job‑related skills, experience, and education or training.

Benefits

• 100% employer‑paid health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for the employee
• Paid vacation time
• Paid volunteer hours
• 6% 401(k) plan contribution
• 10 paid holidays
• 2 floating holidays
• Opportunities for growth within the company

Primary Function

Responsible for reviewing and processing loan applications received primarily through our direct and indirect lending channels in accordance with established retail lending guidelines. Must determine creditworthiness of loan requests, approve or deny applications, protect the Credit Union from undue financial loss, and perform a variety of support duties related to the lending function.

Specific Responsibilities

• Evaluate credit applicants for future loan approval.
• Approve or deny loans and terms within the underwriter’s own limits and established Credit Union policies.
• Make recommendations on consumer loans that exceed authority level.
• Accept loan applications and obtain credit and any other information pertinent to the loan decision and closing.
• Communicate effectively with dealers concerning loan approvals or denials.
• Demonstrate teamwork with coworkers and assist underwriters with lesser signing authority in making credit decisions.
• Process direct and indirect lending credit applications (and other types as needed) and obtain necessary documentation to make sound credit decisions promptly.
• Maintain delinquency and charge‑off ratios within established Credit Union policies.
• Communicate the status of member applications with loan originators and loan processors.
• Train new loan underwriters and attend underwriting training as necessary.
• Identify recapture opportunities for approved but withdrawn applications and cross‑sell Credit Union products and services when appropriate.
• Audit (power book) vehicles to verify accurate vehicle information and document findings.
• Review and analyze indirect dealer applications and funding packets.
• Review loan and member files to develop additional sources of loan production.
• Assist in building and maintaining dealer relationships, including dealer visits.
• Follow Credit Union procedures outlined in the Loan Department procedures and Policy Manuals, ensuring dual‑control and internal controls are observed.
• Review and analyze tax returns to verify income.
• Provide assistance where needed in the Loan department.

Position Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of consumer loan policy, credit‑granting criteria, and current interest rates.
• Problem‑solving: identifies and resolves problems promptly, gathering and analyzing information skillfully.
• Interpersonal skills: maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas, and exhibits willingness to try new things.
• Oral communication: speaks clearly and persuasively in both positive and negative situations; maintains ongoing communication with the Department Manager about department activities, needs, problems, and important developments.
• Written communication: edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively, and reads and interprets written information.
• Planning/organizing: prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
• Quality control: demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Dependability: consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Observes policies/procedures: sets an example by following Credit Union policy, applicable Standard Operating Procedures, and the Employee Guide.

Applicant Requirements

• Position knowledge equivalent to two years of college, an associate degree in a business area, or comparable work experience.
• Minimum one year of loan underwriting experience preferred; candidates with at least two years of lending experience will also be considered.
• Proficiency with typing, adding machine, or calculator; familiarity with data‑processing systems is helpful; excellent office work skills.
• Must be bondable.