Home Equity Specialist

The Home Equity Specialist is responsible for managing the end-to-end processing, closing, and post-closing operations of all home equity loan products. This role ensures that all loans are handled in compliance with credit union policies, regulatory requirements, and service standards. The specialist collaborates closely with loan originators, members, and internal teams to deliver a seamless and efficient lending experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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• Review and process incoming home equity loan applications for completeness and accuracy. 

• Collect and verify required documentation from applicants, including income, assets, and property information. 

• Order and analyze title searches and flood certificates to ensure property eligibility and lien position. 

• Evaluate credit reports and financial data to assess borrower qualifications and identify potential risks. 

• Ensure all required disclosures are prepared and delivered in accordance with regulatory timelines. 

• Structure loans in a responsible and beneficial manner, aligning with credit union policies and member needs. 

• Ensure all loans comply with internal guidelines and federal/state lending regulations, including fair lending practices. 

• Clear underwriting conditions by obtaining and validating additional documentation or clarifications. 

• Underwrite home equity loans within assigned authority and issue decisions (approval, denial, suspension, or counteroffer) 

• Prepare accurate closing documents and disclosures, ensuring all terms and conditions are clearly stated. 

• Schedule and coordinate loan closings with members, loan officers, and other stakeholders. 

• Conduct or support loan closings, verifying signatures, notarizations, and completeness of documentation. 

• Provide clear communication to members regarding loan terms, repayment expectations, and next steps. 

• Fund approved loans and ensure timely disbursement of proceeds. 

• Record mortgages and other legal documents with appropriate county or state agencies. 

• Mail payoff checks and termination letters to prior lienholders or members as applicable. 

• Resolve post-closing audit conditions, including internal quality control findings or external regulatory reviews. 

• Maintain accurate records and ensure all loan files are complete and compliant. 

• Monitor and manage the loan pipeline to ensure timely progression from application to funding. 

• Prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines and service level agreements. 

• Provide training and mentorship to new processors, sharing best practices and procedural guidance. 

• Collaborate with internal departments to resolve issues and improve operational efficiency. 

• Contribute to departmental and organizational goals, including member satisfaction and strategic initiatives. 

• Deliver exceptional service to members and internal stakeholders throughout the loan process. 

• Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor, representing the credit union positively in all interactions. 

• Protect member confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. 

• Other job duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education/Certification:      

• Associate’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

Required Knowledge         

• In-depth understanding of home equity loan products and real estate lending practices.
• Familiarity with credit union policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal and state lending regulations, including fair lending and disclosure requirements.

Experience Required              

• 3–5 years of experience in home equity loan processing, closing, or underwriting.
• Experience working in a credit union or financial institution preferred.
• Background in customer service or member support roles is a plus.

HARD/TECHNICAL SKills/Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Experience with loan origination systems and document preparation software.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple loans simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including basic math proficiency.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard office conditions
• Low to moderate noise
• Limited lifting up to 10 lbs.

This description has been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included.  Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded.  Essential functions, requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions.  In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.  

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals.  However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.

The Credit Union believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success.  That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities.  Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent.  It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.