EXEMPT JOB TITLE: Loan Officer

REPORTS TO: Chief Lending Officer

POSITION SUMMARY: Manage a loan portfolio. Service consumers and customers seeking any type of loan the Bank offers. Build loan portfolio by networking and actively seeking new customers. Make credit decisions using sound judgment and complying with any lending regulations. Work in conjunction with loan processors and lending assistants to build files, ensure uniformity and completeness of files and complete any follow up tasks. Minimize Bank loss by promptly by collecting past due notes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Job Specific

• Maintain a basic working knowledge of the Bank's overall lending and deposit activities. Be able to assist other Bank staff with questions regarding processing and closing loans.
• Transcribe or compose letters, memos and other material related to lending. This requires the ability to write exceptionally well, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
• Service all loans, including in-house, SBA, FSA, energy, and USDA Rural Housing loans. Maintain a loan portfolio of existing customers and maximize relationships based on customer needs. Facilitate negotiation with new and existing customers, according to established standards, such as fees, loan repayment options and other credit terms. Cross sell key deposit/fee income products/services.
• Gather and oversee compilation of all required loan application information. Maintain updated loan documentation and files. Responsible for ensuring that all loan files are complete and uniform by using checklists, following regulations, and clearly noting exceptions. Process and verify documents received from customers if necessary.
• Work in conjunction with loan processors and lending assistants to secure appraisals, credit reports, background, and reference checks, etc.
• Routinely exercise sound judgment to make credit decisions within personal lending limits. Demonstrate competent credit analysis. Review and approve overdrafts.
• Ensure that agreements are complete and accurate according to policy. Assure timely loan closing and funding activities.
• Perform specialized and/or confidential duties; including reviewing credit reports and handling income tax return documentation. The nature of this position may involve exposure to highly sensitive material. Strict confidentiality is imperative.
• Develop new business by networking and actively participating in community activities that promote the Bank.
• Correspond with customers, other employees and external agencies via phone, mail, e-mail and in person. Respond to all inquiries in a timely manner. Call on customers as needed to expand their portfolio, collect on past due balances, etc.
• Prepare and maintain various related reports as directed – this may include FSA or SBA report generation.
• Keep informed and updated on any changes to lending policy or regulation.
• Regularly review large loan accounts.
• Attend loan committee meetings. Refer and/or present loans to committee that are in excess of personal loan approval authority and present documentation. Present loan delinquency report as well as loan workout and problem loan analyses.
• Identify and bring to the loan committee and/or credit review department any loans under your authority which have deteriorated into a problem or workout situation.
• Demonstrate proficiency at a variety of different software programs, such as Navigator, Director, Sageworks, and Laser Pro.
• Assist in any audit preparation and/or process necessary.
• All other duties as assigned.

Management Specific

• Build a positive culture among staff and be a positive leader.
• Work with employees to set and communicate performance standards that are specific and measurable. Stay informed about employees' progress and performance.
• Support employees in their efforts to achieve job goals.
• Provide specific performance feedback, positive and corrective.
• Coordinate employee training and continuing education. Ensure that self and employees maintain a current working knowledge of the banking industry.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on employment matters such as timecard approval and policy administration.
• Provide opportunities to employees to grow their career.
• Conduct employee reviews.
• Deal promptly, diplomatically, and confidentially with performance problems.

Bank Specific

• Exhibit professionalism, including personal appearance and attitude.
• Provide assistance, information, and support to co-workers.
• Provide prompt assistance and information to all customers (internal and external).
• Regular attendance. Report to work on time; adhere to time frames for breaks and lunch.
• Be responsible and accountable for own actions.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Cross-sell company services.
• Deliver exceptional customer service.
• Participate in appropriate training opportunities and in a timely manner.
• Behave ethically. Immediately report any concerns to Human Resources or upper-level management.
• Be alert to surroundings and familiar with all crises procedures, including but not limited to, robbery.
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and regulations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Prefer Bachelor's Degree in business administration, finance or accounting and/or commensurate experience in consumer and/or commercial loans. Prefer 2-10 years of lending experience.
• LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, ETC.: Valid motor vehicle driver's license or provisional operator's permit.
• Must pass background check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA'S):

• Working knowledge of personal computer (Microsoft Office products).
• Ability to use general office machines.
• Must be attentive to detail and very accurate.
• Self-motivated.
• Ability to interact effectively with customers, management, and other employees.
• Critical and analytical thinking skills, problem solving abilities.
• Strong customer orientation.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and written.
• Must be flexible, able to work under pressure to meet deadlines and prioritize workflow.
• Organizational skills, courtesy, and diplomacy.
• Sound judgment.
• Ability to hear well enough to communicate with customers, co-workers, and outside bank personnel.
• Ability to read and write.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Normal daily physical activities to include, walking, standing, sitting, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling.
• Must be able to read reports and use computer.
• Daily lifting up to 20 pounds (i.e. office supplies, storage files, etc.)

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Indoors, environmentally controlled. This position may require travel by car to visit other company locations and make on-site customer visits. May require work on evenings and weekends to meet with customers.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee.