Job Description

The Home Equity Specialist manages the full lifecycle of home equity loans, from application through closing, by assessing member needs, evaluating creditworthiness, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing outstanding service. This role supports loan portfolio growth through sound lending decisions, relationship development, and effective collaboration with members, underwriters, and business partners.

Join Our Team at Del Norte Credit Union!

We’re more than a financial institution, we’re a community. Guided by our mission of Improving Lives and vision of being Authentically New Mexico, we embrace Del Norteño Pride, reflecting our commitment to community, culture, and connection. Recently recognized as a Platinum-Level Family Friendly Business, we value People Focus, Collaboration, and Continuous Learning.

Location

Santa Fe, NM

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Consult with members to assess home equity lending needs, recommend appropriate loan solutions, and guide applicants through the loan process from application to closing.
• Evaluate loan applications, analyze credit risk, and make lending decisions in accordance with credit union policies, underwriting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Process and manage home equity loan files by collecting documentation, ordering appraisals and title work, coordinating with underwriting, and ensuring timely file completion.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state mortgage lending regulations, including RESPA, TILA, TRID, ECOA, HMDA, Fair Lending, and related requirements.
• Communicate proactively with members, underwriters, title companies, and internal stakeholders to resolve issues, provide updates, and maintain an exceptional member experience.
• Conduct loan closings and review documentation for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain relationships with referral partners, branch staff, and community organizations to support loan growth and business development initiatives.
• Stay current on lending products, market trends, industry regulations, and NMLS requirements to ensure accurate guidance and regulatory compliance.
• Meet established production, quality, and service goals while contributing to portfolio growth and continuous process improvement.
• Participate in team meetings, educational seminars, community outreach activities, and other duties as assigned.

Salary

Starting pay: $57,572.06 - $71,965.08 annually, based on qualifications, internal equity, and budget.

Benefits

• Spanish Speaking Incentive
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• 401(k) - Traditional or Roth
• Paid Time Off
• Eleven paid holidays/year
• Employer-Paid Benefits: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Short-Term & Long-Term disability
• Other great benefits: Wellness Reimbursement Plan, Educational Reimbursement Program and Development Programs.

Requirements

Experience:

Three years to five years of similar or related experience.

Education:

(1) A two-year college degree, or (2) completion of a specialized certification or licensing, or (3) completion of specialized training courses conducted by vendors, or (4) job-specific skills acquired through an apprenticeship program.

Interpersonal Skills:

Work involves extensive personal contact with others and is of a personal or sensitive nature. Motivating, influencing, and/or training others is key at this level. Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.

Other Skills:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
• Strong customer service, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management abilities with attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor and commitment to ethical decision-making.
• Knowledge of mortgage operations and mortgage origination systems preferred.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders while delivering exceptional service.

Physical Requirements:

This position is primarily sedentary and requires the ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods while operating a computer and other office equipment. Manual dexterity is needed for typing, using a mouse, and handling documents. The role may involve occasional reaching, bending, or manipulating objects, as well as light lifting of up to 40 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity are required for reading documents, creating content, and communicating effectively. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office setting and regularly uses standard office equipment including computers, phones, and conferencing tools. The role may require after-hours or weekend work to support critical system changes, incident response efforts, or operational needs. Some travel will be required to branch locations, data centers, vendor sites, or industry events.