Collection Officer I

Role

Participates in maintaining a financially sound loan portfolio through timely collection practices and procedures. Methods to accomplish this include but are not limited to phone calls, collection letters, and in-person interviews.  Processes further action on accounts as deemed necessary including but not limited to repossession, foreclosure, and legal action.  May serve as the liaison for repossession companies and appear at bankruptcy hearings.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the collection of delinquent accounts including soliciting payment arrangements on delinquent loans, interviewing customers to determine reason for delinquency, taking appropriate action to resolve the account, counseling customers concerning their financial obligations and offering suggestions and alternatives, recommending further action as deemed necessary. 
• Respond to customer inquiries by phone and in person (could include, but not limited to: requests to transport our collateral out of country, CPI claims, GAP and other dealer sold insurances, NADA values, address updates).
• Prepares and files Small Claims Court documentation with the court. Prepares the required documentation for assignment to collection agencies or attorney. Attends court hearings for various legal/bankrupt files. Recommends and assists in preparing delinquent accounts for charge off requests.
• Ensure customer files are maintained in good order, and all required documents are filed (includes completion of adverse action forms).
• Recommends and prepares accounts for collateral seizure and foreclosure and files the appropriate documentation for bankruptcy accounts. Oversees all bankruptcy claims through dismissal, discharge or reaffirmation.
• Recommends and prepares legal referrals such as wage garnishment, levies and abstracts.
• Assigns accounts to third party collections agencies maintaining records of account activity
• Monitor and process loan payoff information and provide this communication to dealerships and insurance companies in an accurate and timely manner.
• Must comply with all company policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Knowledge and Skills

• 2-5 years of similar or related experience, including preparatory experience
• High school education or GED
• A significant level of trust, credibility and diplomacy is required. In-depth dialogue, conversations and explanations with customers, direct and indirect reports and outside vendors can be of a sensitive and/or highly confidential nature. Communications may involve motivating, influencing, educating and/or advising others on matters of significance.