Loan Officer I

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Loan Officer I

Location: Salisbury, Maryland

Reports To: VP – Business Development Officer

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

The Loan Officer I is responsible for developing and maintaining customer relationships while originating, processing, and managing consumer loans and basic commercial lending opportunities. This position serves as an entry-level lending role focused on building a quality loan portfolio, providing exceptional customer service, and developing credit analysis and business development skills under the guidance of senior lending staff. The Loan Officer I will learn all aspects of the lending process while ensuring compliance with bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Portfolio Growth:

• Develop new lending opportunities through referrals, networking, branch partnerships, and community involvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with new and existing customers.
• Cross-sell appropriate bank products and services to strengthen customer relationships.
• Participate in community events and represent the bank in a professional manner.
• Work toward achieving individual lending and relationship growth goals established by management.

Client Relationship Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for consumer borrowers and smaller commercial customers throughout the lending process.
• Meet with prospective borrowers to identify financing needs and recommend appropriate loan products.
• Provide timely communication and outstanding customer service throughout the loan lifecycle.
• Develop trusted relationships that encourage repeat business and referrals.

Credit analysis & Decision Making:

• Collect, review, and analyze borrower financial information, including credit reports, tax returns, and financial statements.

• Analyze loan requests within assigned lending authority.
• Prepare complete loan presentations for requests requiring additional approval.
• Work closely with senior loan officers and credit administration to strengthen underwriting skills.
• Prepare adverse action and denial notices accurately and within regulatory timeframes.

Loan Documentation & Closing:

• Assist in structuring loan requests that balance customer needs with sound lending practices.
• Review loan documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Coordinate with Loan Processing and other internal departments to facilitate timely closings.
• Ensure loan files meet documentation and compliance standards.

Portfolio Management:

• Monitor assigned loan relationships for payment performance and risk.
• Assist with collection efforts and delinquency management when needed.
• Perform construction inspections when assigned.
• Maintain regular customer contact to identify additional banking opportunities.

Compliance & Professional Accountability:

• Follow all bank policies, lending procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Complete all required compliance and professional development training.
• Attend loan committee meetings, lending meetings, and internal training sessions as assigned.
• Continue developing lending, underwriting, and relationship management skills.

Competencies:

• Strong customer service orientation
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Developing financial and analytical skills
• Relationship-building ability
• Initiative and willingness to learn
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Professionalism and integrity
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal departments

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field preferred
• One to three years of banking or financial services experience preferred
• Consumer lending or customer service experience preferred
• Formal credit training is a plus, but not required

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, and paid time off.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, use hands to finger. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work required are Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.

“Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer”