Collections Specialist

Description

The First National Bank of Bastrop is proud to be named a Best Place for Working Parents®. We offer an opportunity to work with a financial institution that prides itself on excellent customer service and a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Employer paid benefits:
  • Paid time off
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid volunteer time
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan with 401(k) Provisions (KSOP) with match
  • Up to $800 match on Health Savings Account (qualifying medical plan required)
  • Life/AD&D/LTD insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
• Optional benefits:
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Supplemental coverages
    • Short term disability
    • Cancer
    • Critical Illness
    • Accident
  • Medical Spending Accounts
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • Health Savings Account (HSA)
    • Dependent Care FSA

Description: 

Participate in maintaining a financially sound loan portfolio through early delinquency control of more complex delinquencies.

Essential Duties:

• Responsible for collection of accounts over 30 days delinquent, including but not limited to: soliciting payment arrangements on delinquent loans and overdrafts; interviewing customers to determine reason for delinquency; taking appropriate action to resolve the account (could include loan modifications or loan workouts); counseling customers concerning their financial obligations and offering suggestions and alternatives; recommending further action as deemed necessary, i.e., repossession, legal action, foreclosure, referral to collection agency; skip tracing as necessary to locate customers; and posting loan payments.
• Respond to customer inquiries by phone and in person. Could include, but not limited to requests to transport our collateral out of area, CPI claims, NADA values, and address updates.
• Prepare and file Small Claims Court documentation with the court. Prepare the required documentation for assignment to collection agencies or attorney. Attend court hearings for various legal/bankrupt files. Recommend and assist in preparing delinquent accounts for charge off requests.
• Recommend and prepare legal referrals such as wage garnishment, levies and abstracts. Serve as the liaison for repossession companies and appear at bankruptcy hearings. Order and track and report repossession orders, repossessions and sales.
• Ensure customer files are maintained in good order and all required documents are filed, including completion of adverse action forms.
• Recommend and prepare accounts for collateral seizure and foreclosure and file the appropriate documentation for bankruptcy accounts. Oversee all bankruptcy claims through dismissal, discharge or reaffirmation while working with legal counsel.
• Prepare reports as needed for management use.

Bank Secrecy Act Duties:

• In the performance of respective tasks and duties, this position must maintain knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act regulations and all other regulatory, security, and Bank policies and procedures.

Company Conformance:

• In compliance with all applicable regulations and Bank policies, this position is expected to successfully produce quality work within deadlines, with or without supervision; interact professionally with other employees, customers, and vendors, while always respecting the need for confidentiality of customer information. The employee will work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments and work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations. Furthermore, the employee is encouraged to actively represent the Bank to customers and the general public in ways that promote the integrity, validity, and mission of the Bank by participating in community organizations, events, and activities. The employee is also expected to maintain a commitment to continuing education in the banking field through self-study and both in-house and outside training opportunities in all applicable banking policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Regular and punctual attendance is expected, and appropriate attire is required at all times, while either performing job functions or representing the Bank at outside events and activities. 

Requirements

Required Minimum Qualifications:   

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Three years collections experience with a financial institution (i.e., community bank, regional bank or credit union). 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish. 

Must also have the following demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities:   

• Effective and professional verbal, written, listening and negotiation skills.
• Understand how to overcome objections.
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance empathy with collection process.
• Self-driven.
• Basic computer skills to include Excel.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all Federal and State regulations and laws regarding the collection process primarily as it pertains to consumer lending.