Rural 1st Underwriter

About the role

The Rural 1st Underwriter analyzes and decisions consumer loans, provides guidance on loan servicing actions, and supports other credit services in accordance with association standards and industry regulations. This role contributes independently to routine and recurring work with growing confidence and consistency. It applies established procedures, manages assigned responsibilities effectively, and collaborates with others to support business outcomes. Team members at this level are expanding functional knowledge, strengthening judgment, and developing problem-solving skills within defined parameters.

Responsibilities

• Partners with sales and internal and external stakeholders to understand customer objectives, financial position, and credit risks, structuring sound and innovative credit solutions that meet customer needs, comply with service level expectations, and maintain association credit quality standards.
• Analyzes new loan applications originated by sales teams and alliance partners, exercising delegated authority to deliver timely credit decisions and recommend appropriate terms and conditions to manage risk.
• Reviews and evaluates servicing related loan requests requiring credit decisions, balancing customer needs with prudent risk management.
• Maintains current knowledge of industry and consumer lending trends, Rural 1st market dynamics, and updates to the Association’s credit philosophy, policies, and standards to support consistent, high quality underwriting decisions.
• Leads and participates in cross training and job shadowing initiatives to broaden credit knowledge within the Consumer Credit teams and across partnering functions.
• Completes routine assignments independently using established procedures and sound judgment.
• Applies working knowledge to resolve common issues and identifies when to seek guidance.
• Communicates clearly with teammates and internal partners to support coordinated work.
• Organizes workload to meet deadlines and deliver consistent, reliable outcomes.
• Contributes ideas that strengthen processes, accuracy, and effectiveness.
• Uses available tools and resources to resolve straightforward issues and improve confidence.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED with 5 years relevant