The Senior Mortgage Underwriter is responsible for evaluating various types of mortgage loan applications, including conventional (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), FHA, VA, equity, construction-to-perm, renovation-to-perm, and specialty programs. Must have strong understanding in standard concepts, practices and procedures of residential underwriting and is able to ensure loan meets agency requirements for soundness, salability and insurability. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Review loan files to determine compliance with lender credit underwriting guidelines as well as government guidelines. Review and validate borrower(s): income (including complex business and personal tax returns), credit, asset documentation, title and fraud reports. Analyze loan files to determine credit worthiness of borrower. Prioritize and manage files among new submissions, documents, and funding. Work as a team with loan officers and other professionals to ensure file completeness. Review government appraisal to ensure the value of the property is accurately presented. Maintain production standard goals as established by management. Re-underwrite loans when additional information has been received. Be proactive in researching general underwriting scenarios and guidelines to stay up to date. Consistently adheres to VyStar core values and Code of Ethics and acts in accordance with Corporate defined values and ethics. Consistently demonstrates VyStar Excellence with providing service to the membership, Credit Union employees and third-party vendors. Responsible for understanding mortgage department goals as well as Credit Union goals and pro-actively works toward attainment of those goals. Identify and make recommendations to Mortgage Underwriting Supervisor, AVP Mortgage Underwriting, and VP Mortgage Credit regarding process improvements, quality service, and increased efficiencies within the processing unit. Performs the activities and projects as assigned and requested by the Mortgage Underwriting Supervisor, AVP Mortgage Underwriting, and/or VP Mortgage Credit. Performs in accordance with the established guidelines/benchmarks in relation to acceptable/reasonable delinquency and loss ratios. Perform other duties as assigned. All employees and business units, as first line of defense, are expected to proactively help identify, assess, manage, and report risks within their domain of work. To enhance a healthy risk culture and support our growth for good pillar, employees will maintain vigilance in safeguarding our operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates. The Risk team serves as the second line of defense by providing risk oversight and credible challenge whereas the Audit team serves as the third line of defense by providing risk assurance. Incumbent is expected to demonstrate each of the following VyStar Excellence behaviors and to provide support and feedback to employees assigned to the processing unit to consistently practice and demonstrate VyStar Excellence behaviors in performing the duties and responsibilities of their position. Expected VyStar behaviors are defined as:Focus: Focus your full attention by carefully listening to and observing client or member. Connect: Consistently be friendly and approachable. Demonstrate your care. Understand: Listen empathetically and ask questions (70%/30% rule). Counsel: Recommend solutions based on your member’s needs and objectives. Advance: Ensure that member’s expectations were exceeded. JOB QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION - High School Diploma or GED is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. CERTIFICATIONS - Must have an active Direct Endorsement (DE) and Computerized Homes Underwriting Managements Systems (CHUMS)Must be active in the VA Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP) and certified as a Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR) Underwriter for VA loans. EXPERIENCE 5 years in a mortgage underwriting role including conventional (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), FHA, VA, Equity, Construction-to-Perm, Renovation-to-Perm, and specialty program underwriting. JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - Strong analytical and decision making/problem solving skills. Strong working knowledge of ATR/ QM (Ability to Repay/ Qualified Mortgage Rules) requirements. Encompass Loan Origination System (LOS) experience preferred. Well versed in state and federal regulations governing mortgage origination, secondary market selling guidelines, and private mortgage insurance requirements. Applicants must be detailed oriented and be self-motivated to complete assigned files in a timely and accurate manner. Applicants must have positive, well-developed effective communication skills, both written and verbal, be detail oriented, demonstrate good organizational and reflective listening skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and proven ability to work with others. Must have a professional conduct and appearance. Must work under the philosophy of “people helping people” and be able to effectively communicate with members on all levels. Intermediate technical skill within the Microsoft Office suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook). Incumbent will be required to develop a proficiency in using the various software applications and web solutions utilized by the Mortgage Department in completing daily tasks and responsibilities associated with underwriting. DISCLAIMERS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT - Nothing in this position description is an implied contract for employment. The position description is intended to be an accurate account of the essential functions. The functions are not all encompassing and are subject to change at any time by management. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. As required or requested, may exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. VyStar Credit Union is not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at VyStar via e-mail, internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of VyStar Credit Union. No placement fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means. Thank you for your inquiry regarding our current job opening. Your resume will be carefully reviewed against the position requirements. Should your experience and skills match, you will be contacted by one of our Human Resources department staff members. Thank you again for your interest in this position! VyStar Credit Union Human Resources