BankruptcyLegal and Recovery Specialist

Job Description

Credit Union West offers comprehensive benefits to its employees. These include:

• Full‑time employees receive 100% paid health, dental & vision insurance
• Earn incentives up to 20%, depending on position
• 401(k) plan with employer matching funds up to 5%
• Profit sharing
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Paid time off for holidays, vacation, and sick days
• Credit Union West membership and discounts

The Bankruptcy/Legal and Recovery Specialist manages member accounts involved in bankruptcy proceedings (Chapters 7, 11, and 13), legal collections, and litigation support. The role serves as a subject matter expert in bankruptcy law and processes, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and protects the institution’s financial interests. Responsibilities include managing the recovery process and assignments of charged‑off loans and shares.

Monitor and manage accounts in bankruptcy status from filing to discharge, dismissal, or closure.

• Interpret and act on legal documents such as bankruptcy petitions, automatic stay notices, reaffirmation agreements, plans, motions, and discharge orders.
• File Proofs of Claim (POCs) accurately and within court‑mandated deadlines.
• Track and manage payments from bankruptcy trustees and reconcile account balances accordingly.
• Handle reaffirmation agreements, ensuring they are processed according to policy and legal requirements.
• Work with outside attorneys on complex restructurings and litigation issues.
• Evaluate and recommend account action based on the status of the bankruptcy (e.g., repossession relief, lien retention, charge‑off).
• Ensure all bankruptcy handling complies with the Bankruptcy Code, CFPB regulations, FDCPA, NCUA guidelines, and internal policy.
• Maintain detailed case notes and ensure systems are updated with accurate status, notes, and legal documents.
• Provide regular reporting to management on portfolio status, recovery rates, and litigation trends.
• Stay current on changes in bankruptcy law, legal precedent, and industry best practices.
• Strong understanding of Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 13 (repayment plans), and Chapter 11 (reorganization) bankruptcy processes.
• Strong knowledge of reaffirmation agreements, secured/unsecured debt classification, and the automatic stay process.
• Proficiency with bankruptcy tracking systems (e.g., PACER, ECF, or specialized credit union software).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and investigative skills.
• Professionalism and discretion in dealing with sensitive member financial and legal information.
• Strong communication skills to interface with trustees, attorneys, courts, and members.
• Ability to handle a high‑volume caseload with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Responsible for reviewing and evaluating charged‑off loans for further collection efforts.
• Assigning to a third‑party collection agency for recovery or litigation.
• Accurately process recovery payments and update credit reports as necessary.
• Review and negotiate settlement proposals in collaboration with management.
• Administrator for “In‑house” recovery accounts.
• Negotiate, track, follow up, payment processing, balancing, and credit report updates.

• Manages and responds promptly to all electronic disputes generated within the credit dispute portal.
• Effectively handle collection‑related disputes by email, phone, or mail.
• Maintain accurate record‑keeping of any incoming disputes.
• Investigate and research any disputed content to ensure validity or reporting.
• Complete AUD credit bureau updates through E‑Oscar as necessary.
• Stay up to date on training and courses provided in the E‑Oscar Learning Management System.

Equivalent to a two‑year college degree or specialized course of study.

3 – 5 years of similar or related experience.