Legal/Recovery Specialist - Espanola, NM

Description

The Legal/Recovery Specialist is responsible for managing and pursuing legal remedies for delinquent accounts, charged-off loans, and other recovery efforts. This role serves as a liaison between the Credit Union and legal counsel, collection agencies, and courts, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while maximizing recovery of assets.

Work Location: 

Espanola Operations Center located in Espanola, NM. Hybrid work is possible with approval from supervisor and will be subject to change based on the needs of the organization or department.  

Salary:

The starting pay range for this position is $24.69 to $30.86. New hires typically brought into the organization at a rate between the range minimum and the range maximum, depending on the qualifications, internal equity and the budgeted amount for the role.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Prepare and submit documentation for legal action including garnishments, judgments, and repossessions.
• Coordinate with attorneys and third-party agencies on litigation and recovery efforts.
• Monitor and track legal cases, ensuring timely updates and resolution.
• Review of delinquent accounts for potential legal action or charge-off.
• Initiate and manage post-charge-off recovery efforts including skip tracing, settlements, and payment arrangements.
• Maintain thorough documentation of member interactions, legal filings, and account status.
• Provide support and guidance to members navigating financial hardship or legal proceedings.
• Generate reports on recovery performance, legal case status, and collections metrics.
• Analyze trends and recommend strategies to improve recovery rates and reduce losses.
• Ensure all collection and legal activities comply with federal, state, and local laws, including FDCPA and bankruptcy regulations.
• Further ensure compliance with all DNCU policies and financial institution regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Performance Measurements:

1. Meet or exceed assigned core competencies.

2. Meet or exceed assigned goals.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• 401(k) - Traditional or Roth
• Paid Time Off. Eleven paid holidays/year 
• Employer-Paid Benefits: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Short-Term & Long-Term disability 
• Other great benefits: Wellness Reimbursement Plan, Educational Reimbursement Program and Development Programs.

Requirements

Experience: 

3 years of experience in collections, legal recovery, or related financial services role. Experience working with attorneys, courts, and legal documentation preferred.

Education: 

(1) A two-year college degree, or (2) completion of a specialized certification or licensing, or (3) completion of specialized training courses conducted by vendors, or (4) job-specific skills acquired through an apprenticeship program.

Interpersonal Skills: 

Work involves much personal contact with others inside and/or outside the organization for the purpose of first-level conflict resolution, building relationships, and soliciting cooperation. Discussions involve a higher degree of confidentiality and discretion, requiring diplomacy and tact in communication.

Other Skills:

Strong knowledge of collection laws, bankruptcy procedures, and legal recovery processes.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Proficiency in collection software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Physical Requirements: 

The Recovery Specialist position primarily involves working at a desk for extended periods, utilizing a computer and telephone to perform daily tasks. The role requires sufficient manual dexterity for typing, handling documents, and operating office equipment. Occasionally, the employee may need to lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as files or office supplies. Movement such as standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required intermittently throughout the day.

Work Environment: 

The work is performed in a standard office environment with moderate noise levels and consistent lighting. The role is fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring focus and adaptability. The Recovery Specialist regularly interacts with members who may be experiencing financial hardship, necessitating a calm, empathetic, and professional demeanor.