Mortgage Underwriter Job Palm Bay area,Florida USA,Finance & Banking

Credit:
Evaluate FICO scores across all three bureaus, using the middle score for qualification. Review all trade lines for payment history, utilization, derogatory items, and age. Apply seasoning requirements for bankruptcy, foreclosure, and short sale per policy.
Capacity:
Calculate qualifying income for all income types following the credit union's income analysis worksheets. Verify income against IRS transcripts. Identify declining income trends and apply the lower year or trend-adjusted figure as required by policy.
Capital:
Verify asset sufficiency for required reserves. Confirm asset seasoning of 60 days minimum in account. Source and document all large deposits exceeding 50% of monthly income. Apply haircuts to retirement assets per policy.
Collateral:
Validate CLTV against the policy maximum for the applicable property type, occupancy, and credit tier. Review appraisal methodology, comparable selection, and condition rating. Flag any appraisal concerns to the supervisor before issuing a decision.
HOEPA:
Test every file for high-cost mortgage triggers — APR threshold and points-and-fees threshold — and enforce any file that approaches or exceeds the HOEPA thresholds to compliance before decisioning.
Respond to prefund and post-closing review and audits in a timely fashion.

Regulatory & Compliance Responsibilities

Maintain comprehensive working knowledge of TILA/Regulation Z, ECOA/Regulation B, FCRA, HMDA/Regulation C, and NCUA real estate lending regulations (12 CFR Part 723).
Apply fair lending principles consistently across every file — document the credit rationale for every decision in terms that demonstrate consistency with how similarly situated applicants are treated.
Issue Adverse Action Notices within 30 days of application with accurate, specific reason codes — never generic codes that fail to inform the member of the actual basis for the decision.
Flag any file with potential BSA/AML concerns — large unexplained deposits, third-party payoffs, or identity inconsistencies — to the BSA Officer before issuing a decision.
Verify completion of OFAC screening and flood determination before issuing an approval decision.
Maintain underwriting decision records in Encompass sufficient to support NCUA examination, internal audit, and fair lending review for the required retention period.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 4 years of mortgage underwriting experience, with at least 2 years specifically underwriting home equity products.
DE (Direct Endorsement) or SAR designation, or equivalent demonstrated underwriting authority at a financial institution.
Expert-level income analysis skills — including self-employed income analysis using Schedule C, 1120S, 1065, and K-1 documentation.
Working knowledge of Encompass LOS including the conditions log, eFolder review, and milestone management.
Deep familiarity with ECOA adverse action requirements, HMDA data elements, and TRID compliance as applied to HELOC transactions.
Demonstrated ability to make credit decisions independently and defend those decisions in writing against examiner or audit scrutiny.
Strong analytical and written communication skills — conditions and decision narratives must be clear, specific, and actionable.
Track record of accurate, timely decisioning with a first-submission approval rate and condition specificity that enables clean file flow.
NMLS registration or willingness to obtain registration as required by applicable state law.

Preferred Qualifications

Credit union underwriting experience — familiarity with NCUA examination process and member-relationship lending culture.
Experience underwriting in Texas, New York, or other states with complex home equity lending requirements.
Completion of graduate-level underwriting certification through MBA School of Mortgage Banking or equivalent.
Experience with AVM validation and appraisal desk review methodology.
Familiarity with automated underwriting system (AUS) outputs — DU, LP — in the context of portfolio lending decisions.
Experience serving as an underwriting trainer or mentor for junior underwriters or processors.

Performance Standards