Collections & Credit Specialist - Credit Union

Company Profile:  

Located on the beautiful California coast, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union (hereafter, SCCCU) is a community-development and low-income certified credit union, serving Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties. Its mission focuses on economic justice and ensuring that all people, organizations and companies have access to the financial services and financial tools they need.

Job Summary:  

Reporting to the Collections Manager, the Credit & Collections Specialist will preserve SCCCU’s assets by controlling delinquent accounts, collecting delinquent loan payments and/or recovering collateral, assisting other staff and disposing of repossessed collateral. Additionally, this position will process insurance claims related to death, disability, collateral protection and other insurance coverage SCCCU is able to access to offset loan losses, while ensuring a professional interface with members and credit union staff. 

Responsibilities:  

Be knowledgeable in accordance with SCCCU’s loan and collection policies and procedures, including consumer loans, mortgage loans, credit cards, commercial lending, insurances available on loans, regulation affecting loans and collections, compliance requirements, documentation, and processing methods;

Contact delinquent borrowers/co-borrowers by telephone, mail, or in person, to encourage prompt repayment of delinquent accounts; confer with borrowers/co-borrowers to determine reason for overdue payment, reviewing terms of loan, charge, or credit contract with member;

Initiate legal action when required; determine when collateral should be repossessed; obtain approval from Collections Manager to review, prior to taking further action; accurately complete all necessary steps of the repossession, redemption and sold autos at auction processes;

Work with all departments to ensure collection problems are resolved in a timely manner;

Obtain credit reports on delinquent borrowers/co-borrowers;

Maintain collection records for management and regulators; assists in pulling files and re-filing as needed for audits; create documentation and status tracking methods to ensure timely completion of outstanding items and tasks;

Review account when members inquire about Service Members Civil Relief, to determine if he/she qualifies; consult Collections Manager for approval of interest rate reduction;

Promote use of financial education/counseling and workshops offered by SCCCU;

Complete all reports assigned by Collections Manager and ensure work is organized and processes and reports are completed by deadlines;

Maintain working knowledge of SCCCU’s products and services, operations policies, procedures and regulations;

Actively participate in training, department and internal staff meetings and activities;

Complete all required annual regulatory and lending training;

Represent SCCCU at external events and various business development opportunities, as needed.

Skip trace accounts and conduct investigations to locate missing borrowers/co-borrowers and collateral; files skip claims if borrower has collateral protection insurance;

Assist with loan audit process, balance due letters, consumer loan denial letters, tracking and verifying mailing of denial letters, procedure writing and follows-up on missing items which create funding delays from indirect lending area;

Collect negative balances and returned items; refer to relevant authorities for prosecution, if necessary;

Send accounts to outside collection agencies, as directed by the Collections Manager;

Process, log and maintain individual bankruptcy accounts; recommend and ensure relevant options; send Adverse Action letter;

Work with Collections Manager on recoveries; including filing claims including all applicable options, such as life insurance, Credit Life & Disability, GAP and CPI claims; request refunds on mechanical and gap warranties purchased through dealer and/or CPI added to loan after liquidation of repossessed automobile;

Accept and monitor consumer credit counselling payments;

File proof of claim on deceased accounts;

Submit payments for posting;

Prepare delinquent loans, credit cards and negative share accounts for charge off;

Review payments on delinquent accounts, charged off accounts, credit counseling accounts, and loans being paid by the Chapter 13 Trustee; research member accounts for missing or misapplied payments and ensure necessary adjustments are completed;

Post information regarding financial status of borrower/co-borrower and status of collection efforts in electronic systems; updates E-Oscar when necessary; corrects any credit bureau reporting errors;

Other tasks include printing and reviewing delinquent notices, when applicable; distribute SOPHIA alerts; prepare various logs and summary reports including Repossession Report, Bankruptcy Log, Delinquency & Bankruptcy Statistics, and other reports as directed by management;

Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

2 – 5 years of related collections experience;

Associate’s Degree in a business-related discipline, preferred, but not required;

Proficient computer and Microsoft Office software (particularly Excel and Word);

Must have broad knowledge of the principles, practices and laws governing financial institution services, preferably in a credit union;

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions;

Ability to read, analyze and interpret governmental regulations;

Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures;

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from members, staff and the public in English;

Bilingual proficiency, preferred;

Proficient oral, written communication and interpersonal skills;

Exceptional organizational, time management, attention to detail, accuracy, problem-solving, follow-through and customer service skills

Strong mathematical acumen;

Ability to work with minimal supervision and to strict deadlines;

Bilingual English/Spanish, preferred;

Must pass a background check and be fully bondable. 

Working Hours:

Standard hours are 8:30AM – 5:15PM Monday – Friday; some evening hours may be required from time to time, as required and availability for Saturday work, in due course, as production requirements change. 

Compensation:

$27.77 - $41.66 per hour DOE, for this non-exempt, full-time position (Grade 9). 

Benefits:

Medical, dental, vision coverage for employee;

10 days of paid vacation in years 1 – 3 of employment on an accrued basis and rising incrementally thereafter;

40 hours of annual paid sick time on an accrued basis;

10 paid public holidays;

1 paid floater day;

401(K) with annual company match after 1 year of service.

Location:

Santa Cruz, CA – In Office Position 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY Santa Cruz Community Credit Union is committed to employing qualified staff who are dedicated to our members, and to recruiting and hiring persons from diverse backgrounds. Diversity means that we will foster a cultural awareness, promote mutual understanding and respect, and provide suitable role models for helping all members, including those that are underserved and unbanked.