Recovery Specialist

Is it surprising to hear that a financial institution of 1.5 million members and over $30 billion in managed assets say that success comes from focusing on people, not profits? Our “people helping people” philosophy has guided us since 1935, driving our deep commitment to serving our members, communities, and each other. When you join our team, you become part of a purpose-driven organization where your work makes a real difference. While we’re proud of our history, we’re even more excited about our future. With business and technology transformation on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be part of BECU. You bring more than your expertise to your role, and that matters here. Your story, perspectives, and lived experiences help shape belonging at BECU and deepen how we connect with and support our employees, our members, and our communities.

PAY RANGE

The Target Pay Range for this position is $28.99-$35.34 hourly. The full Pay Range is $22.50-$41.83 hourly. hourly.

BENEFITS – Because People Helping People Starts With Supporting You

• 401(k) Company Match (up to 3%)
• 4% annual contribution to your 401(k) by BECU
• Medical, Dental and Vision (family contributions as well)
• PTO Program + Exchange Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• BECU Cares volunteer time off + donation match

Impact You’ll Make

As a Recovery Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in helping BECU recover charged-off funds while supporting the financial strength and sustainability of the credit union. Your expertise, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities will help balance member-focused service with effective recovery strategies. In this role, you’ll build productive relationships with members, attorneys, agencies, and business partners, while ensuring compliance with collection laws and regulations. Your contributions will directly support BECU’s financial well-being, operational excellence, and commitment to responsible lending practices.

Note

This role will have a remote component, however team is expected to report onsite to all quarterly meetings and on a periodic basis throughout the year to Tukwila, WA or Spokane WA office. This role requires working anywhere within Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST.

What You’ll Do

• Negotiate Recovery Solutions: Work directly with debtors, attorneys, and third parties to negotiate settlements on charged-off accounts and achieve positive recovery outcomes.
• Apply Regulatory Expertise: Maintain a thorough understanding of state and federal collection laws and use that knowledge to guide compliant recovery activities.
• Manage Account Activity: Monitor, update, and document the status of pending accounts within the collection system to ensure accurate and timely records.
• Drive Timely Follow-Up: Maintain proactive communication and prompt follow-up on legal and collection accounts to keep recovery efforts moving forward.
• Locate and Reconnect with Debtors: Utilize skip-tracing techniques and available resources to identify and locate debtors effectively.
• Improve Recovery Processes: Identify opportunities to enhance Loan Loss Recovery operations and recommend process improvements that support efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure Legal Compliance: Consistently follow Washington State and federal laws regarding collections, levies, liens, rights, and documentation requirements while maintaining complete records of all actions taken.
• Provide Escalation Support: Serve as a knowledgeable resource and escalation point for complex Loan Loss Recovery collection matters.
• Maintain Documentation Standards: Ensure written procedures are accurately documented and maintained for all assigned areas of responsibility.
• Identify and Communicate Risks: Proactively report issues that may negatively affect recovery efforts or impact the credit union.
• Review Vendor Activities: Evaluate vendor invoices for completeness and accuracy to support sound financial controls.
• Coordinate Recovery Administration: Perform daily operational activities including inputting new charged-off accounts into the collection system, processing payments and returned mail, preparing and filing Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 proofs of claim, and creating correspondence.
• Partner with Collection Agencies: Forward accounts to collection agencies and serve as the primary liaison to support effective account management and recovery efforts.
• Support Reporting and Portfolio Activities: Update credit bureau information as required, prepare reports, and assemble documentation for portfolio sales.
• Contribute Where Needed: Take on additional responsibilities and special projects that support team success and organizational goals.

What You’ll Gain

• Meaningful Impact: Play a key role in protecting BECU’s financial health and supporting long-term organizational success.
• Professional Growth: Expand your expertise in collections, legal recovery processes, bankruptcy filings, regulatory compliance, and financial services operations.
• Autonomy and Trust: Leverage your judgment and problem-solving skills while independently managing recovery activities and complex account situations.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Build relationships with attorneys, collection agencies, vendors, business partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement Opportunities: Help shape and improve recovery processes by contributing ideas that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Specialized Knowledge Development: Deepen your understanding of state and federal collection regulations, legal collections, and recovery strategies.
• Career Advancement Potential: Gain valuable experience in financial services operations that can support future career growth within recovery, collections, compliance, or operations functions.
• Ideal Talent Persona: You are a detail-oriented professional who enjoys balancing analytical thinking, compliance requirements, negotiation, and relationship management. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, confidently manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, and are motivated by achieving results while maintaining professionalism and integrity.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration, or equivalent work or educational experience required.
• Minimum 5 years of customer service experience, including 3 years in collections required.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act required.
• Ability to exercise confidentiality and discretionary judgement required.
• Ability to work independently, and as a team member, while using discretion in decision making and sound judgment in problem solving required.
• Verbal and written skills communication skills required.
• PC skills, with the ability to learn new software required.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work well under deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience with financial services products preferred.
• Various Post charge off experience desired.
• Certifications preferred.
• Experience with legal collections preferred.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to collections preferred.

EEO Statement

BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.