Position Overview:The Strategic Underwriting Specialist is a highly experienced underwriting professional who serves as a flexible resource across multiple underwriting teams. This individual plays a critical role in maintaining operational continuity by covering pipelines during staff absences, absorbing overflow volume, and ensuring files are accurately updated as they move through the post-closing process. The Strategic Underwriting Specialist operates with a high degree of independence and professionalism, seamlessly integrating into any team while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Job Responsibilities:
- Cover underwriter pipelines during planned and unplanned absences, including vacation, leave, and other time-off scenarios.
- Absorb overflow loan volume across multiple teams to ensure production targets and service level commitments are met.
- Review and update loan files upon return from closing for any changes, adjustments, or outstanding conditions requiring resolution.
- Identify and correct time-entry discrepancies and other issues in Workday in coordination with team managers.
- Operate as a floater across multiple underwriting teams, adapting quickly to varying pipelines, team structures, and lender overlays.
- Underwrite loans across all agency product types in compliance with applicable guidelines, investor requirements, and company policies.
- Maintain clear, timely communication with VP of Underwriting, team managers, and support staff regarding pipeline status and priority items.
- Uphold all quality standards and regulatory requirements consistent with the organization's underwriting practices.
- Work remotely with a reliable internet connection and maintain a professional home office environment.
- Maintain availability during standard business hours with flexibility for peak production periods and occasional overtime.
Qualificationsand Skills:
- 5+ years of front-line mortgage underwriting experience across all agency product types.
- Active DE (Direct Endorsement), SAR (Staff Appraisal Reviewer), and LAPP (Lender Appraisal Processing Program) certifications.
- Experience with Encompass LOS, preferred.
- Experience in a floater, lead underwriter, or senior underwriter capacity, preferred.
- Experience working in a high-volume, dynamic production environment, preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of agency guidelines, AUS findings (DU/LP), and investor overlays.
- Demonstrated proficiency in underwriting Conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loan products.
- Familiarity with Workday HR/time management platform, preferred.
- Skilled in managing multiple pipelines simultaneously across different teams and priorities.
- Excellent attention to detail with a record of delivering accurate, high-quality underwriting decisions.
- Excellent communication skills; independently effective in a remote environment.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
