A Credit or Loan Counselor advises and educates individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt or qualifying for traditional loans. Guidance may include determining the best type of loan and explaining loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management or credit issue plans. Can provide budget, mortgage or bankruptcy counseling.
Responsible for performing a broad variety of financial services such as opening, modifying, and closing accounts; and assisting members with bookkeeping and account problems. Answers member questions regarding credit union products and services and performs a variety of account maintenance. Cross-sells products and services and performs related receptionist and administrative functions as required. Assists or refers members with any and all questions or problems that arise. Attends to telephone or electronic inquiries and transactions for members. Interviews credit union loan applicants, professionally representing the credit union throughout the process. Researches background information on loan applicants and resolves discrepancies. Processes loan applications and performs a variety of support duties related to the lending function within the credit union.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES
Assumes responsibility for the effective and professional performance of financial service functions. a. Presents and explains credit union services and products to members and assists in meeting their financial needs in a prompt, efficient, and accurate manner. Promotes services and products to meet credit union goals and objectives. b. Receives and directs members and telephone calls. Handles requests, problems, complaints, or questions, or directs them as necessary. Records and relays messages. May respond to email or other electronic requests submitted by members. c. Answers questions and solves problems for members by listening to problems, collecting data, securing answers, and reporting results to the inquiring party. Resolves member balancing and account problems. Researches accounts for discrepancies. d. Performs file maintenance and account changes such as, but not limited to: i. Ordering checks for member accounts. ii. Taking stop payment orders. iii. Processing debit card servicing and issuance requests. iv. Opening and closing accounts. e. Provides prompt, efficient, and accurate service in the processing of loans. f. Processes member mail transactions as needed. g. Opens, renews, closes, and updates certificate accounts. h. Properly completes payroll deductions, direct deposit, and other authorization forms. i. Rents safety deposit boxes. j. Assists members in opening Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA). Maintains IRAs and answers questions regarding IRA. Assumes responsibility for providing effective secretarial and clerical support for all phases of loan processing activities and promotions. a. Prepares paperwork for loan applications. Runs reports, retrieves credit ratings, reviews files, figures point scores, and works up applications. b. Performs coding and posting functions and prepares all necessary documents for closing of loans. c. Mails loan paperwork. Distributes loan paperwork to appropriate personnel. d. Coordinates loan closings with appropriate personnel. Closes loans as necessary. e. Types and mails denial letters and related correspondence for promotions. f. Maintains hold/mail files and suspense files according to weekly schedule. Disburses documents to Loan Officers for follow-up. g. Receives and screens telephone calls. Answers routine questions or directs them to appropriate personnel. Records and relays messages. h. Completes loan processing duties in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations. i. Assists with credit card applications and processing as needed. Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining professional working relations with visitors, callers, and business professionals. a. Greets and welcomes members and visitors to the credit union in a professional manner. b. Resolves member requests and questions promptly, courteously, and professionally. c. Keeps members informed of credit union services and policies. d. Maintains and projects the credit union's professional reputation by executing its brand standards. Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective coordination and working relationships with area personnel and with management. a. Assists area personnel as required. b. Keeps supervisor informed of area activities and significant problems. c. Completes required reports and records accurately and promptly. d. Maintains departmental files. e. Attends meetings as required. Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned. a. Actively and professionally cross sells credit union products and services. b. Performs related clerical and teller duties as needed. c. Ensures work area is clean, secure, and well maintained. d. Performs research duties as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION
High school graduate or equivalent required.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of all related computer applications. Understanding of all systems utilized within the branch setting. Ability to back-up as a teller as needed. Knowledge of overall branch operations. Good understanding of financial services and products provided. Understanding of member bookkeeping procedures.
EXPERIENCE
: At least one year of experience in the industry.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
: Well organized. Accurate and attentive to detail. Excellent communications and public relations abilities. Strong typing and computer application skills. Ability to assist and support others. Able to operate telephone, PC, copier, and other basic business machines.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION PHYSICAL STRENGTH
: Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally. (Almost all office jobs.)
WORKING CONDITIONS NONE
: No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions. (Such as in a typical office.)
