Job Description

If you are motivated and believe in the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," join our team!

Responsible for the comprehensive underwriting and final approval of mortgage and HELOC loan files within the Real Estate Lending department. This role evaluates borrower creditworthiness, reviews and verifies required documentation, and ensures all loan decisions comply with credit union policies, secondary market guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements. The Loan Underwriter I serves as a key resource to branch personnel and the loan processing team, supporting efficient and accurate real estate lending operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• (40%) Perform comprehensive underwriting of first mortgage and HELOC loan files, including review, and verification of sales contracts, appraisals, flood certificates, income documents, insurance documentation, asset statements, credit reports, and title reports, and all other loan documentation as required, in accordance with established credit union policies, procedures, and secondary market guidelines.
• (20%) Independently assess applicant creditworthiness, ability to repay, and collateral valuation; provide final clear to close approval of real estate loan files while communicating decisions clearly and professionally to other members of the lending staff.
• (15%) Document and communicate outstanding loan conditions to the loan processing team and closing stipulations to the loan closing team, ensuring timely and accurate progression of loan files through the pipeline.
• (15%) Respond to phone calls and emails from internal department personnel addressing real estate questions and concerns; coordinate with processors, closers, attorneys, title companies, and other parties to facilitate smooth loan processing.
• (10%) Maintain current knowledge of credit union policies and procedures through ongoing training to ensure underwriting decisions reflect the latest guidelines and regulatory standards.

Required Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities):

• Four-year degree, CCUE Certification, or associate degree via the North Carolina College Transfer Program (NC-CTP).
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in mortgage lending, direct underwriting experience.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, along with active listening.
• Must be able to communicate with branch personnel and leaders, members, real estate agents, attorneys, insurance agents, and other SECU departments.
• Strong networking and relationship development skills.
• Meets compliance and regulatory standards.
• Meet personal/team qualitative and quantitative targets.
• Must be able to speak English fluently.
• Must understand and be dedicated to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
• Must adhere to the work schedule and attendance policies established by the Credit Union.

Preferred Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities):

• Four-year degree
• 2-5 years of experience in mortgage lending, direct underwriting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GSE secondary market guidelines and various NC down payment assistance programs as related to underwriting, including but not limited to FHLBA and NCHFA.
• Experience with MortgageBot, Encompass, or other loan origination systems
• Certified Residential Underwriter designation or Residential Loan Processor Certificate

Job Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Primarily remote settings with a dedicated quiet work environment to make and receive phone calls. Some office setting work may be required with physical proximity to other employees and background noise.
• Use hands and fingers to press keys on a computer keyboard to enter or retrieve information.
• Use hands and fingers to press telephone keypad and lift telephone receiver.
• Must be able to comprehend and complete job demands.
• Must be able to comprehend phone calls.

SECU provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law.

Disclaimer

State Employees' Credit Union reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower level based on business need.