Consumer Lending Specialist II

UW Credit Union; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26.5 days of annual time off

2 weeks paid caregiver leave

Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Madison, WI, seeks a Consumer Lending Specialist II to provide exceptional member service and manage loan underwriting. Key responsibilities include consulting with members on credit solutions, evaluating loan applications, and ensuring compliance with lending guidelines. Candidates should possess analytical skills, a relevant degree, and experience in consumer lending. Join a recognized workplace that values employee well-being with generous leave and benefits offerings including a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in Consumer Lending or financial adjacent experience is required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Limited Credit Lines License (WI Credit Test #29).
• Expected to be federally registered with the NMLS.

Responsibilities

• Consistently use consultative interactions to identify beneficial loan products.
• Evaluate risk for loan applications and underwrite loans.
• Educate members about their loan details and recommendations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Spanish language proficiency

Education

Associate’s Degree in business or related field

Bachelor’s Degree in business or related field

Tools

MS Office software applications

Job description

Consumer Lending Specialist II

Overview

The Consumer Lending Specialist II is a skilled communicator with proficient knowledge of consumer lending and is responsible for sales, underwriting, and education of members and/or new lenders. They oversee the timely and thorough analyses of loan requests, evaluate components and potential risk factors, and apply appropriate decision applications. This position provides a full range of loan products and services to our members, emphasizing expanding and enriching member relationships with the department’s service philosophy. The LCDI consistently educates members on credit, identifies members’ best financial loan solutions, diagnoses additional cross‑sell opportunities, and refers members for non‑lending products.

Why work for UW Credit Union? Join one of Wisconsin’s premier financial institutions, a National Top Workplace and multi‑year recipient of Madison Magazine’s Best Places to Work, Wisconsin State Journal’s Top Workplaces, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Workplaces to receive:

• 26.5 days of annual time off (accrued per pay period)
• 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
• 2.5 weeks paid new child parental leave
• 2 days paid volunteer time
• Hybrid work environment: minimum 3 days a week on‑site
• 10 paid holidays (including your birthday!)
• 401k company match of up to 5%, plus approximately 4% discretionary match
• 457 deferred‑compensation plan
• Variable bonus reward
• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, including domestic partner eligibility
• Employee Assistance Program
• And more!

Responsibilities

Responsible for Achieving Balanced Scorecard (Sales) Results

• Consistently use needs based consultative‑style interactions to identify loan products that will financially benefit the member.
• Offer a personalized suite of protection products appropriate for each member that will enhance and protect their loans and credit.
• Be responsible for individual goals including loan volumes and booking efficiency.
• Actively ask open‑ended questions to identify opportunities for lending and deposit products and services.
• Demonstrate knowledge of sales behaviors and activities and incorporate at least some of them to obtain referrals that contribute to departmental and organization goals.

Underwriting and Queue Management

• Have regulatory knowledge and follow regulations and compliance requirements.
• Evaluate risk for the individual member and the organization in all applications, both within and beyond guidelines.
• Underwrite loans based on loan authority and make decision recommendations on applications outside of authority.
• Use lending and underwriting experience with the underlying story and compensating factors, to recognize possible solutions to assist the member while exercising appropriate risk tolerance for the Credit Union.
• Effectively determine exceptions to guidelines and employ consistently in applicable situations.
• Exercise sound judgment in determining compensating factors, base decisions on these factors, and notate appropriately in applications.
• Exhibit awareness and react appropriately to loan volumes, service levels and assist on other channels while maintaining department service standards.
• Can calculate verification of income from paystubs and have some knowledge of self‑employment tax returns. Understand basic trustee powers language in Certifications of Trust.
• Consistently monitor the queue awaiting final approval and own queue to ensure timely decisions and application booking.
• Ensure approval and delinquency ratios are within the range established by management for the economy or other compensating factors.

Meeting Member Service and Quality Assurance Expectations

• Drive superior member service by effectively analyzing situations, asking discovery questions and making recommendations to enhance the member’s financial position.
• Consistently educate members about their loan details and additional protection products.
• Maintain a high degree of knowledge in all credit union programs, ensuring quality service and accuracy is delivered to members and fellow employees.
• Demonstrate positive problem‑solving skills to effectively resolve member concerns and issues in almost all situations. Set an example for other lenders to de‑escalate most frustrated or angry member calls.
• Consistently document member interactions, appropriate decision comments and exceptions in loan software to ensure loan applications are accurate and complete in accordance with the department’s service philosophy.
• Minimize fraud risk by using all available tools and resources to verify member identity and document all steps taken. Assist less experienced lenders with questionable applications and lend expertise to make fraud determination.
• Complete application follow up and closings in a timely fashion based on members’ preferred delivery channel and timing.

Championing Engagement in the Lending Center

• Take ownership for change. Exhibit most "Leader of Self" Change Readiness competencies.
• Analyze and recommend changes to guidelines, systems, or processes to enhance productivity and improve service.
• Share knowledge with other Lending Specialists on products, systems, guidelines, or practices as needed.
• Effectively contribute to the success of the team by exhibiting most of the skills and traits included in the Effective Communication "Leader of Self" Competencies. Act as part of a cohesive team and demonstrate willingness to employ conflict resolution skills with peers and others within the organization when needed as outlined in the department service philosophy.
• Assist other team members with loan queues during unexpected or extended absences.
• Assume responsibility for self development through training, collaboration, and teamwork.
• Assist in mentoring or project work if requested. Actively participate in meetings and departmental activities, taking a leadership role when appropriate.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s Degree in business or related field is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in business or related field is preferred.
• 2–3 years of experience in Consumer Lending or financial adjacent experience is required.
• Required to obtain and maintain a Limited Credit Lines License (WI Credit Test #29).
• Required to be, or become, federally registered and maintain an active federal registration with the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) and Registry.
• Required to complete annual training and compliance in accordance with all UW Credit Union Fair Lending Policies and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act.

Skills:

• Developing analytical, accuracy, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong presentation, telephone, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi‑task and negotiate multiple applications in succession with general proficiency.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to represent a professional image.
• Knowledge of most lending laws, concepts and practices.
• Ability to educate others on lending regulations/policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective consumer lending processing requirements.
• Strong proficiency in personal computer skills including the use of Internet and MS Office software applications.
• Language proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

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