Loan Officer

Job Description

Job Description

The Loan Officer plays a critical role in advancing HFLA’s mission. You’ll work directly with community members to create a dignified lending experience and help them access fair financial resources.

This is a people-centered role for someone who is both detail-oriented and deeply empathetic—someone who can balance process with compassion and sees lending as a tool for empowerment. Many of our borrowers would not otherwise have access to safe, affordable capital.

In this role, you are not just processing applications; you are helping individuals take meaningful steps toward stability, opportunity, and dignity.

What You’ll Do:

Applicant Experience & Stewardship (Primary Focus)

• Guide applicants through the lending process with clarity, respect, and responsiveness.

• Assess loan applications to ensure requests meet HFLA’s lending guidelines.

• Evaluate loan applications based on quantitative and qualitative factors.

• Advocate on behalf of applicants to the Loan Review Committee (HFLA Board Members) and make lending recommendations based on individual assessments.

Loan Process Management

• Help manage the flow of applications through decision.

• Collaborate closely with the lending team to ensure timely application processing.

• Maintain accurate records and track application progress in internal systems

Team Collaboration & Additional Support

• Contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven team environment.

• Assist with broader program needs and occasional special projects.

• Adapt to shifting priorities and workload as needed.

What We’re Looking For

Core Strengths

• Strong customer service skills and a genuine desire to help people.

• High attention to detail and strong organizational ability.

• Clear communicator who can explain complex processes simply.

• Thoughtful decision-maker who can assess situations quickly and fairly.

• Patient, empathetic, and solution oriented.

Experience & Mindset

• Familiarity with social services and community resources is a plus.

• Experience managing workflows or databases is helpful.

• Ability to handle sensitive financial situations with discretion and respect.

• Willingness to occasionally work evenings or weekends.

Our Values

Our work is grounded in the Jewish values of: Tzedek (Justice), Tzedakah (Charity), and Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World).

Our Approach to Lending

We strive to make our loans:

• Accessible – lowering barriers without lowering standards

• Affordable – 0% interest, no fees, no collateral

• Fast – efficient and responsive processes

• Fair – holistic, human-centered decision-making

Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000

Email resume/cover letter to: View email address on click.appcast.io

Company Description

HFLA provides loans to residents in Northeast Ohio that promote economic self-sufficiency and financial justice, and provide lending options that help them gain control of their financial lives.

Company Description

HFLA provides loans to residents in Northeast Ohio that promote economic self-sufficiency and financial justice, and provide lending options that help them gain control of their financial lives.