Loan Originator

BASIC JOB FUNCTION
The Loan Originator originates all NHS/NLS loan/grant products; to pre-qualify prospective homebuyers and borrowers; market NHS/NLS products and services and generate loan applications to meet NHS/NLS annual production goals for lending programs.

PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Market NHS/NLS loan products/grants/services to community-based, business, real estate, and financial entities to enhance awareness of NHS by community leaders, businesses and prospective customers, through a mix of activities which include public presentations, educational workshops, informational kiosks and displays, and individual networking.
• Provide general information about all NHS loan products/programs in response to inquiries and referrals, originate loans for all programs; flexibly schedule appointments and interviews with customers for designated loan programs; originate and evaluate basic application file (including designated documents) for all NHS/NLS loan products/grants/services for processing by Loan Specialist; and submit loan application files to Loan Specialist for loan processing within specified timeframe after origination.
• Pre-qualify potential homebuyers; assess their readiness for home ownership; and refer them internally to the appropriate NHS resource for homebuyer education and development.
• Provide individualized homebuyer counseling and training to potential buyers who are classified as "immediate" or "short-term" buyers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with outside entities that will provide leads and access to potential borrowers using NHS/NLS loan products/programs.
• Serve as the NHS liaison for the loan customer throughout the application process. Monitor the progress of the loan application, communicating as necessary with the assigned Loan Specialist and Construction Specialist. Serve as an advocate for the loan customer, collecting data and participating in problem-solving as needed.
• Maintain a current and working knowledge of all loan programs offered by NHS/NLS, as well as a current knowledge of lending industry standards for loan origination; maintain required job skills and core professional competencies; and attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

$60,000 annually + Bonus incentive

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• We also offer a team spirit, which strives for excellence in customer service.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related field (preferred).

Experience

• Minimum 2-3 years of outside sales experience originating mortgage loans.

Other Qualifications

• Experience working with Encompass loan software (preferred).
• Communication - Ability to inform internal and external customers orally and in writing, with clarity and good effect.
• Customer Service - Ability to satisfy the expectations and requirements of customers. Consistently displays courtesy and sensitivity and responds promptly to service requests. Identifies customer needs and explains services clearly. Handles difficult situations.
• Relationship Building- Ability to actively maintain a network of professional relationships and maintain on-going informal dialogue with others to build trust and understanding .

Required Skills

To succeed in this role, an individual must possess the following:

• Licensed Loan Originator with the State of Illinois is preferred or, Employee must meet all registration/certification requirements for a Loan Originator as defined by the State of Illinois within 45 days of hire.
• Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule (including nights and weekends).

Desired Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively both in written and oral presentation.
• Ability to maintain organization in changing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings.
• Ability to write a scope of repairs and cost estimate.
• Knowledge of all construction trades, contract administration and office procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining good business ethics.
• Technology: Proficiency in MS Office; Salesforce, and Housing Developer Pro.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

• Loan closings in accordance with NHS/NLS annual plans.
• Completed application files submitted to Loan Specialist within specified timeframe.
• Quarterly marketing plans executed, and goals achieved.
• Weekly status review and follow-up with NHS/NLS staff regarding loans in process.
• Ratio of approved loans to closings.
• Timely, courteous, and informative responses to inquiries.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and is of a typical office environment.

REMOTE WORK POLICY
The Lending Department staff work on a 3/2 schedule requiring a minimum of 3 days in-office, in addition to any in-office time as necessary for important meetings, team meetings, all staff meetings, audits, site visits by funders, agency events, etc., including twice monthly in-person team meetings.

NHS' COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, RACIAL EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) is deeply committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our work and advances our mission. NHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.