Small Business Loan Specialist

Description Position Purpose The Small Business Loan Specialist supports the bank's small business lending function by serving as a knowledgeable, customer-focused resource throughout the loan process. This role is responsible for communicating effectively with customers, loan officers, and internal departments to ensure loan requests are handled accurately, efficiently, and professionally. The position also contributes to the continued growth, development, and operational effectiveness of the bank's small business lending department. What you'll do: Serve as a primary point of contact for small business lending customers by providing timely, accurate, and professional communication regarding loan requests, documentation requirements, application status, and next steps. Partner with loan officers to support the intake, processing, tracking, and follow-up of small business loan applications and related documentation. Coordinate with internal departments, including credit, operations, compliance, servicing, and portfolio management, to facilitate an efficient and compliant loan process. Review loan files for completeness, accuracy, and consistency with bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Assist in gathering, organizing, and maintaining required customer information, financial documents, collateral information, approvals, and loan records. Monitor outstanding items, follow up with customers and internal partners, and help resolve documentation or process-related issues in a timely manner. Support loan officers in delivering responsive service and identifying opportunities to deepen customer relationships and support small business lending growth. Maintain a strong understanding of the bank's small business lending products, processes, procedures, risk standards, and customer service expectations. Contribute to process improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance workflow efficiency, customer experience, communication, and departmental effectiveness. Analyze financial data to include review of financial statements and personal/business tax returns. Underwrite loan facilities while balancing the customers' needs with the Bank's risk profile, growth and earnings goals. Coach and mentor Business Lenders and Commercial Loan Assistants; assist with training and guidance as needed. Prepare reports, updates, and status summaries as needed to support pipeline management, loan tracking, and department leadership. Ensure compliance with laws and regulations and adhere to lending compliance guidelines All other duties, as assigned Requirements Where you'll shine: High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field preferred. Banking, lending, loan operations, customer service, or small business/commercial lending experience preferred. Knowledge of loan documentation, lending processes, customer information requirements, and bank operations. Strong written/verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain requirements to customers and internal partners. Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Sound judgment, discretion with confidential information, and ability to work effectively in a team environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn loan origination, document management, and core banking systems. Core Competencies Customer Focus: Provides responsive, courteous, and accurate service to small business customers. Communication: Maintains clear and consistent communication with customers, loan officers, and internal teams. Collaboration: Builds effective partnerships across lending, credit, operations, and support functions. Accuracy & Compliance: Ensures accurate records and adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Problem Solving: Proactively identifies and resolves process and documentation issues. Growth Mindset: Supports continuous improvement, service excellence, and department growth. Working Relationships Partners closely with customers, small business loan officers, credit partners, loan operations, compliance, servicing, and other internal departments. Supports a seamless lending experience and advances the bank's small business lending goals. Where we shine: Offering a full suite of benefits including medical, life, dental, and vision insurance plus generous paid time off. Supporting associates and their families; we embrace the importance of caring for oneself and our families. Surrounding ourselves with smart, driven, and diverse individuals. Valuing integrity, commitment regarding our daily duties, and the Bank as a whole. Supporting local philanthropic, cultural, and artistic initiatives and organizations that our employees' value. Devoted to the communities in which we serve as we help those who form the creative backbone of our market's future economy and business value. Bank of Clarke is "Great Place to Work" Certified through June 2025. "Top Virginia Employer for Interns" award recipient (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026) through Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Working Conditions The individual may be required to be available after normal working hours. Business travel may be necessary to meet with vendors and attend training opportunities. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed under the knowledge/skills section are representative of the knowledge, skill set, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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