Widener University is currently seeing a Loan Servicing Specialist/Debt Collector. Reporting to the Assistant Director of University Loans/Collections, and under the supervision of the Loan Director, the Loan Servicing Specialist/Debt Collector will perform a variety of Loan Servicing and Collection functions in connection with most Higher Education Loans, which will encompass all aspects of a loan from the approval process up until the final payment is made, which would encompass the life of the loan.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

• Must be able to work independently, with an attention to detail, and be able to prioritize duties as they are assigned. Data entry required along with keeping accurate records on all students/borrowers.
• Manage the life cycle of the loan, including collections activities, while complying with all laws and regulations as they pertain to the loan. Knowledge of relevant legal requirements mandated.
• Need to investigate and resolve any complaints, so must have experience with research and be comfortable speaking with a variety of people. Must process speaking and listening skills along with negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Develop new relationships and maintain existing relationships while working with customers throughout the loan process and loan life cycle.
• Educate students/borrowers on the terms and conditions of their loan to ensure a clear understanding of the loan, thus being able to present financial solutions based on customer needs.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed

Secondary responsibilities:

• Proven organizational skills with demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and with good customer service skills with students, staff, faculty, and external constituents.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiple, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to use a basic calculator.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Familiarity with Windows-based computer required. Previous experience with the Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Use relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether transactions or processes within the scope of authority to comply with Department of Education regulations, banking regulations, and collection practices and standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Ability to:
  • read and follow oral and written instructions
  • compose routine business correspondence
  • perform basic mathematical computations
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associates Degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school preferred
• Demonstrated ability to utilize a personal computer, applicable software, e-mail and the Internet
• Knowledge typically gained through a minimum of six-months' experience providing customer service in a financial institution or other processional office or organization; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, support and professional staff, faculty, and external constituents
• Must be organized, flexible, and able to handle several tasks simultaneously.
• Superior interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience using Ellucian Colleague
• Master's degree preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Must be able to remain stationary working at a computer in excess of 70% of the time.
• May be asked to work with team members on occasional weekends.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D