Collector I - Credit Union | Remote in OR, WA, or ID

OCCU is a member-owned credit union based in Eugene, Oregon, guided by a clear and meaningful vision: to Enrich Lives. This purpose drives everything we do—from how we serve our members to how we support one another as colleagues. With a strong commitment to community impact, OCCU lives its values of tenacity, humility, and big-heartedness every day.

We are currently seeking a compassionate, resilient, and member-focused Collector I to join our Collections team. This is a remote opportunity; however, candidates must reside in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho as a condition of employment. This position may require evening and weekend work based on business needs. The pay range for this role is $21.80-$27.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

About the Role:

The Collector I partners with members using humility, active listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to resolve delinquent accounts while preserving member relationships and protecting OCCU assets. This role helps members identify realistic solutions, establish payment arrangements, and navigate financial challenges while maintaining a positive member experience.

You will work directly with members to resolve delinquent accounts, collect payments, assist with collateral recovery activities, and ensure compliance with applicable collection regulations and internal procedures. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, empathy, professionalism, accountability, and the ability to remain effective during challenging conversations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contact members through multiple communication channels to identify solutions and develop plans to resolve delinquent accounts.
• Establish payment arrangements and collect loan payments while maintaining positive member relationships.
• Process account transactions, loan payments, payoffs, account maintenance requests, and collection activity documentation.
• Assist members with Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) and payment protection claims.
• Prepare and submit repossession files for voluntary or involuntary repossession review and approval.
• Resolve overdrawn accounts and operational losses.
• Provide prompt, professional, and courteous service while handling member concerns and escalations.
• Collaborate with other departments on collections-related questions and account resolutions.
• Meet service level standards and collection performance goals.
• Maintain compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), regulatory requirements, and OCCU procedures.

What We're Looking For:

• Minimum of one year of collections, financial services, lending, member service, or closely related experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to navigate sensitive financial conversations professionally.
• Ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships while addressing delinquent accounts.
• Active listening, negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and productive in stressful or emotionally charged situations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to accurately document collection activities and account information.
• Understanding of collection practices, account maintenance, and member service principles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous collections experience within a credit union, bank, or financial institution.
• Working knowledge of bankruptcy, collateral protection insurance (CPI), credit reporting, repossessions, titles, ACH setup, ancillary loan products, and deceased member account processing.
• Experience negotiating payment arrangements and resolving delinquent accounts.
• Experience working in a goal-oriented or performance-driven environment.
• Familiarity with consumer lending and account servicing processes.
• Experience handling escalated member situations and complex account issues.

OCCU offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off plus 13 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible education and training
• Company-paid long-term disability
• 40 hours of company-paid core time annually for full-time employees to participate in community volunteer opportunities

OCCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

If you are passionate about helping members, finding solutions, building lasting relationships, and supporting financial well-being through empathy and accountability, we encourage you to apply!