Collector

People First Federal Credit Union; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

HRA

FSAs

Life Insurance

Disability

Paid time off

401(k) match

Job summary

People First Federal Credit Union in Allentown is seeking a Collections Specialist to pursue delinquent and negative share accounts, contacting members to resolve outstanding balances and arrange viable repayment plans. The role emphasizes professional communication and maintaining positive member relations.

The position requires strong customer service skills, 1–3 years in asset recovery or related areas, and independence to work with limited supervision within a community-focused credit union

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Sales or retail customer service strongly preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in asset recovery or similar areas preferred.
• Excellent communication, telephone, and public relations skills.
• Strong customer de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the effective and professional performance of collections functions.
• Follow up on delinquent accounts by telephone, in person, and by correspondence to resolve repayment problems and arrange payments.
• Discuss possible financial arrangements and inform members of potential legal actions.
• Minimize losses by early actions and maintain up-to-date activity reports of delinquent accounts.
• Maintain professional business relations with members and external contacts.
• Coordinate with Credit Union personnel to ensure smooth collections processes.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

De-escalation

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Credit bureau terminal

Job description

Description

At People First, we're proud to serve the Lehigh Valley as a member-focused, community-driven credit union. We offer more than just a job — we offer a supportive workplace culture, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community where you live and work. Join a team that values people, purpose, and collaboration.

Description

At People First, we're proud to serve the Lehigh Valley as a member-focused, community-driven credit union. We offer more than just a job — we offer a supportive workplace culture, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community where you live and work. Join a team that values people, purpose, and collaboration.

The Collector is responsible for performing collection activities associated with various delinquent accounts. Reviews delinquent and negative share accounts to determine probable reasons for account status, and contacts members to resolve the delinquencies and deficiencies. Utilizes various techniques, as circumstances indicate, to promptly collect on those accounts.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Responsible for the effective and professional performance of collections functions.
• Follows up on delinquent and negative accounts by telephone, personal contact, and correspondence to secure a satisfactory resolution to the repayment problem. Discusses possible financial arrangements, informs members of potential legal actions, and suggests financial counseling to arrive at suitable payment arrangements. Makes early contact with members to collect and keep them informed of account status. Continues to collect until the account is recommended for repossession, charge-off, or bankruptcy.
• Utilizes effective human relations skills and various forms of persuasion to present a positive Credit Union image in an already negative situation. Calms irate members and answers questions and complaints relevant to Department functions. Determines reasons for delinquencies and works toward permanent solutions. Minimizes losses by early actions.
• Responsible for the efficient documentation of collections activities by keeping up-to-date activity reports on delinquent accounts and documenting all collection activities taken.
• Responsible for ensuring that professional business relations are established and maintained with members and external contacts.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with Credit Union personnel.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision plans
• Health reimbursement account
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid time off
• 401(k) Plan with company match

Requirements

Hours

Monday through Friday, daytime schedule. Flexible 8-hour shift to be worked during regular business hours (between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m).

Qualifications

• A high school graduate or equivalent is required.
• Sales or retail customer service strongly preferred.
• One to three years of experience in asset recovery or similar areas prefered.
• Excellent communication, telephone, and public relations skills.
• Strong customer de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work well independently, with limited supervision.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to operate related computer applications and other business equipment, including a calculator, copy machine, printer, credit bureau terminal, telephone, and fax.

People First provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. People First prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.