Senior Real Estate Owned (REO) Specialist

If you are motivated and believe in the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," join our team!

Position Overview:
The REO Senior Specialist is responsible for the day -to-day execution and management of all Real Estate Owned (REO) property activities, following established policies and procedures. This role is crucial for minimizing credit losses and maximizing recovery across the real estate secured product portfolio (mortgages and HELOCs) through the efficient marketing and disposition of assets. The Senior Specialist manages the progression of individual REO properties, ensuring all actions, including property valuation, management, eviction, marketing, and closing, adhere strictly to all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as investor and insurer guidelines. This position requires deep operational knowledge and a focus on accuracy, compliance, and timely execution. The senior specialist performs detailed document preparation, manages financial reconciliation, and is accountable for mitigating legal and financial risk while driving maximum recovery within a deadline-driven, and highly regulated environment.

Essential Responsibilities: Responsibilities (100%)

• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure all REO management and marketing activities strictly adhere to federal, state, and local regulations, including investor guidelines.  (20%)
• Eviction Management: Oversee the eviction process for occupied REO properties in coordination with legal counsel, ensuring all actions are compliant with state and local laws. Coordinate any put out of occupants with local authorities, property preservation vendor or SECU*RE.  (20%)
• Vendor Coordination: Act as the primary day-to-day contact for external legal counsel and REO Management and Marketing firms. Ensure vendors adhere to SLAs for property management, preservation, and disposition. (20%)
• Financial & Timeline Case Management: Manage the progression of individual REO properties from acquisition through final disposition (sale). Monitor individual REO case progression and milestones (e.g., listing, closing) to ensure strict adherence to investor/insurer guidelines and internal timelines. (20%)
• Documentation & System Maintenance: Ensure all activities, documents, and financial transactions are accurately logged and maintained in the relevant servicing, default management, and document retention systems. (10%)
• Case Progression and Issue Escalation: Identify and escalate complex cases, contested matters, or potential lien/title risks to the REO Manager or Legal Department, and coordinate efforts to provide responsive and accurate information to resolve disputes or litigation.  (10%)

Required Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities):

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or a related field required.
• Minimum 5+ direct years of experience in financial operations, compliance administration, legal role specifically at least 5 years directly focused on REO and eviction processes or related legal/compliance/real estate practice.
• Proven operational experience in the end-to-end management of judicial and/or non-judicial foreclosure process for residential mortgages and/or Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs).
• Analytical, detail-oriented and organizational skills with the ability to accurately review complex legal and loan documentation. Proven ability to manage a high-volume portfolio with strict adherence to critical deadlines.
• Working knowledge of state Foreclosure Law(s) including federal and state consumer financial protection laws relevant to REO including but not limited to U.S. Bankruptcy Code, RESPA, FDCPA, SCRA, and applicable CFPB regulations.
• Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft applications, core servicing and default management software, reporting tools, and skilled in tracking data and reconciling payments.
• Proven ability to manage financial and operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as time to market (TTM), reduction in holding time, eviction proceedings timeliness and vendor performance adherence.
• Experienced written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to draft clear, compliant documents and communicate effectively with external counsel, and members.
• Practical understanding of key Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Mortgage Insurance (MI) servicing guidelines, especially those requirements related to REO and default management., documentation, and fee allowances.

Preferred Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities):

• Banking/Credit Union, Loan Servicing Certificates or Real Estate Broker’s License.
• Direct experience using systems for document management (e.g., OnBase), default management (e.g., Default Manager, Foreclosure/Bankruptcy), or core servicing (e.g., ICE/MSP, ALS, FDR).
• Prior experience with legal, financial, and real estate sales procedural knowledge required to minimize risk in this specialized area.

Job Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in an office setting, hybrid or remote.
• Internal candidates meeting all requirements will be given preference.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership

SECU provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law.

Disclaimer

State Employees' Credit Union reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower level based on business need.