Claim Specialist

This position is fully on-site located at our Ocala, FL office. 

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm 

Job Summary:

The Claims Specialist in Mortgage Servicing is responsible for preparing, filing, and managing claims on FHA, USDA, VA, and Conventional loans to maximize reimbursement and ensure compliance with loan guidelines. This role requires expertise in various claim types, including FHA Part A, Part B, and supplemental claims, along with loss mitigation claims such as modifications and partial claims. The Specialist will monitor critical deadlines, gather necessary documentation, and may also handle vendor coordination for REO claims and process invoices for recoverable default expenses.

Core Competencies:

• Maintains highest level of professional behavior at all times even in stressful situations. Avoids behaviors, comments, and conversations that harm morale, productivity, customer satisfaction and teamwork.
• Meets confidentiality requirements related to company, customer and financial information.
• Communicates in writing, verbally and via email in a clear and positive way. Meets policy requirements governing communication content.
• Meets high-productivity requirements and constantly evaluates and prioritizes work throughout the day to meet frequent deadlines.
• Takes ownership of work and completes tasks projects accurately. Reviews and proofreads work thoroughly.
• Works well in a fast-paced team environment and communicates regularly with other team members to ensure deadlines are met.
• Remains up to date on best practices relevant to the position and uses work hours productively.

Essential Duties:

• Claims Management with Leadership: Prepare and file claims on FHA, USDA, VA, and Conventional loans, demonstrating leadership by ensuring each claim meets loan-specific requirements and supports high standards in servicing.
• Documentation Assembly with Transparency: Collect and organize all necessary documentation for claim packages (foreclosure deeds, extensions, invoices, over-allowable approvals), maintaining transparency throughout the documentation process to ensure compliance and clarity.
• Expert Claims Knowledge for High Performance: Apply specialized knowledge to manage and optimize various claim types, including:
  • Foreclosure Claims: FHA Part A and Part B, CWCOT, PFS; VA TOC, 1874; USDA; FNMA and FHLMC Initial/Final Claims; and Mortgage Insurance (MI) Claims.
  • Loss Mitigation Claims: FHA Modifications, Partial Claims, and Special Forbearance; VA Modifications, Partial Claims, and Refunding; FNMA Modifications, Reinstatements, PIFs, and Deferments; FHLMC Modifications, Reinstatements, PIFs, and Deferments.
  • Supplemental Claims: Manage various supplemental claims as required.
• Proactive Deadline Monitoring: Ensure timely submissions by monitoring critical timelines for claim filings, embodying a high-performance mindset and taking the initiative to meet all deadlines.
• Invoice Processing with Accountability: Review and process invoices related to default items, verifying their recoverability and compliance, reinforcing transparency and accuracy in all financial transactions.
• Vendor Coordination for Raving Fans: Collaborate with REO claim vendors to manage REO-related claims efficiently, fostering strong vendor relationships and enhancing service quality to create "raving fans."
• Data Management for Operational Excellence: Pull, review, and post claims data from loss mitigation files, ensuring data integrity and accuracy to support high-performance operations.
• Administrative Support and Adaptability: Complete administrative tasks and other assigned duties to contribute to the team’s goals, maintaining flexibility and high performance in a dynamic servicing environment.

Education and Experience

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years in mortgage servicing, with a focus on claims management, foreclosure, or loss mitigation.
• Direct experience with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loan claims is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with claim processes for Part A, Part B, CWCOT, PFS, and supplemental claims is a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of invoice processing and vendor coordination in mortgage servicing, with an emphasis on recoverable default expenses.

Computer and Equipment Skills

• Intermediate in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Word processing (speed and accuracy)
• MSP or FICS’ Mortgage Servicer a plus
• Email
• Internet software
• Use typical office equipment (computers, fax, phones, copiers, scanners, projectors, etc.)

Physical Requirement:

• Vision (with or without correction) sufficient to read a computer screen and to operate office equipment
• Clear speaking voice on the telephone, in person, and recorded
• Hearing within normal ranges in noise environments typical of office
• Able to sit for long periods of time at computer or other work-station and in meetings
• Able to use computers and operate equipment
• Able to lift 10 pounds occasionally unassisted

Work Authorization: Must be able to verify identity and employment eligibility to work in the U.S. without a visa sponsorship. 

EEO Statement: As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Essex Mortgage is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.