Consumer Underwriter

Consumer Underwriter

The Consumer Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and making credit decisions on consumer loan applications, including auto loans, personal loans, credit cards, and other secured and unsecured loans. This role ensures loan decisions are aligned with our lending policies, regulatory guidelines, and the organization's risk appetite. Practices sound underwriting decisions for credit requests received through all lending channels direct, indirect, online / digital / mobile and practices clear and effective communication skills with all channels : including phone, email, and chat with the branch staff, indirect dealerships, and department staff to ensure promotion and support of loan growth goals.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities :

• Performs Consumer Loan Underwriting activities for all consumer loan requests, including those submitted by ORNL FCU employees, with the goal of achieving optimal outcomes for both the Credit Union and its members. Responsibilities include analyzing credit reports, income, collateral, and risk factors to evaluate creditworthiness in accordance with organizational policies, regulatory guidelines, and lending best practices, while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality.
• Ensures compliance with established Credit Union policies, underwriting guidelines, and regulatory requirements, utilizing a high degree of independence in problem solving and decision making to support sound credit decisions, portfolio quality, and effective risk management.
• Communicates effectively and diplomatically with Dealer Partners, internal departments, branches, and peers to negotiate and modify loan decisions, clarify processes, and ensure alignment with Consumer Lending and Indirect Loan Program policies. Maintains strong relationships through timely, accurate, and service-focused interactions that support superior member and partner experiences.
• Processes and underwrites loan applications quickly and accurately while managing individual portfolio performance in line with organizational standards. Maintains confidentiality, conducts competitive rate comparison surveys, and contributes to continuous improvement effortssupporting the Credit Union's strategic lending goals and market positioning.
• Demonstrates a positive, solutions-oriented attitude and engages in productive communication with Dealer Partners, branches, and internal teams to support continuous improvement and alignment with organizational goals. Actively fosters collaboration and understanding to enhance lending processes, member experience, and team performance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Experience : Three or more years of consumer loan application processing, member service, and loan underwriting experience is required. Experience underwriting Indirect Channel loans is required.

Education : Associate's degree in a business-related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, military experience, and / or work-related experience is required.

Other skills required :