Mortgage Production Specialist - Remote

Who We Are
Southern Bancorp is more than a bank. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a special certificate on designated for institutions that serve predominantly underserved communities, Southern Bancorp combines traditional banking and lending services with financial development tools and public policy advocacy to help families and communities grow stronger. Inspired by the principle that building net worth drives economic opportunity, our mission is to be wealth builders for everyone in the communities we serve, with a focus on low-wealth and un(der)banked populations, as well as an emphasis on Black and Brown individuals.

Job Summary
The Production Specialist takes ownership of residential mortgage loan files after origination and ensures all requirements are met to advance them to closing. Responsibilities include obtaining, reviewing, and assembling documentation, as well as preparing and submitting files. The Production Specialist works closely with customers, loan officers, and both internal and external partners to provide a high level of professional service.

This remote position is only available to candidates who reside in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, or TX.

Responsibilities

• Review new files within 48 hours of receipt and verify that compliance documents were issued within the proper time frame. Request additional documentation or information as needed.
• Review and confirm program eligibility as submitted and assist lenders with necessary updates or changes.
• Manage a pipeline of 25 or more loan files.
• Order all necessary documents to satisfy AUS findings, investor, and agency requirements.
• Verify, review, and track requested documents in mortgage management software.
• Review documentation within 24 hours of receipt and address discrepancies or omissions, notifying the Loan Originator or appropriate team member immediately.
• Use documentation to calculate verified income, verify assets, and update mortgage management software.
• Review, organize, and prepare loans for underwriting submission.
• Clear approval or suspense conditions as outlined by the underwriter or closer.
• Collaborate with the Setup/Pre-Close team to ensure all appropriate closing documentation (e.g., title documentation, homeowners' insurance, third-party invoices) is in the loan file. Documents must be reviewed within 24 hours of receipt and communicated to Loan Originators.
• Process loans to meet purchase contract deadlines and rate lock expiration dates.
• Submit files to the closing department upon obtaining "Clear to Close" (CTC) approval.
• Assist other Production Specialists, Underwriters, and Closers as needed.
• Respond to customer inquiries and related transaction parties as determined by the Loan Originator.
• Assist with clearing post-closing conditions to avoid financial loss.
• Focus on enhancing customer service skills and knowledge.
• Ensure KPIs are met as outlined by the processing manager.
• Maintain the quality and data integrity of all loan files.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of recent loan production, LOA, or processing experience in the mortgage industry required.
• Must possess or obtain NMLS clearance.
• Knowledge of Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and FHA/VA guidelines.
• Knowledge of current state regulatory lending laws and requirements.
• Experience using government sites for VA and FHA files to place orders and obtain case numbers.
• Familiarity with federal and state consumer disclosure requirements.
• Proficiency with automated underwriting technology such as Fannie Mae Desktop Underwriter and Freddie Mac Loan Prospector.
• Skilled in data entry and management.
• Familiarity with TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID).
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills.
• Experience using mortgage management software.
• Timely communication and responsiveness according to department standards.

Physical Demand & Work Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

#LI-remote

What we offer our employees:

A positive impact on Your Future:

• 401(k)/Roth plan with immediate eligibility and employer match up to 6%
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Discounted rate on primary home mortgage
• Credit and housing counseling as well as free financial education tools available to customers and employees

Benefits to improve your health:

• No deductible medical insurance plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts

The opportunity to nurture your well-being:

• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Bonus plan
• Opportunity for merit raises
• Employee reward and recognition programs
• Community service opportunities

Southern Bancorp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

As a Community Development Financial Institution, Southern Bancorp desires its workforce to reflect the diversity of the customers and communities that we serve. Racial and ethnic minorities, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people are often underrepresented in many financial service industry professions. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.