Lending Assistant

We are seeking a Lending Assistant in our Katy Branch

The Lending Assistant serves as the primary coordinator of the loan process and is responsible for helping move loan requests efficiently from application through closing and boarding. While lenders maintain responsibility for the credit relationship and lending decisions, the Lending Assistant is responsible for actively managing the workflow, tracking outstanding items, coordinating with internal and external parties, and ensuring the loan process continues moving forward.

Success in this role requires a proactive approach, strong follow-up skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining compliance and customer service standards.

The Lending Assistant is expected to:

• Take ownership of assigned loan files and actively monitor progress throughout the lending process.
• Consistently follow up with lenders, customers, appraisers, title companies, attorneys, insurance agents, and other third parties to obtain required information and documentation.
• Anticipate next steps and identify missing information before it creates delays.
• Develop a thorough understanding of documentation and approval requirements for various loan types.
• Communicate clearly to customers and lenders regarding outstanding conditions, requirements, and deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment in determining which items are critical to approval, closing, or funding and which items may be addressed later in the process in accordance with policy and lender direction.
• Escalate concerns, delays, missing documentation, exceptions, or compliance issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate pipeline reports and provide timely status updates on all loans in process.
• Demonstrate urgency, accountability, and persistence in obtaining information needed to keep files moving toward closing.
• Serve as a trusted partner to lenders by helping organize, prioritize, and coordinate daily lending activities.

Skills & Knowledge:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Exceptional organizational and follow-up skills.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify missing information and take initiative to obtain it.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong understanding of documentation requirements and collateral perfection processes.
• Ability to effectively prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or higher preferred.
• 1-3 years of banking or financial services experience preferred.
• Prior experience in commercial lending, loan operations, or loan documentation is a strong plus.

Customer Service Requirements

The Commercial Lending Assistant plays a key role in representing the bank's commitment to exceptional relationship-based service. This position requires:

• Prompt, professional communication with customers by phone, email, and in person.
• Active listening to understand customer needs and provide accurate information or solutions.
• Timely follow-up on customer requests, loan documentation needs, and status updates.
• Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive financial information with discretion.
• Demonstrating patience, empathy, and professionalism, even in high-volume or time-sensitive situations.
• Educating customers on bank processes, required documentation, and next steps in the lending process.
• Collaborating with internal departments to ensure a smooth, positive customer experience from application through closing and servicing.
• Representing the bank's values by building trust, strengthening relationships, and contributing to a positive community-bank experience.

Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8 am - 5 pm (40 hours)

Benefits:

Yoakum Bank is a competitive employer and provides many benefits from a choice of insurance coverages, Paid Time Off, company-matched 401k contributions.

Who we are:

Yoakum Bank was chartered in 1890 and remains to this day a full-service, local financial institution, focused on providing banking services and personal loans to individuals and small business owners in Texas, particularly in the Yoakum, Odessa/Midland, Katy, Ganado, and Edna markets. We are in the growth mode and expect substantial expansion in size, reach, and range of services over the next several years.

Yoakum Bank conducts employment background checks that may be used for decisions related to employment with Yoakum Bank. Standard background checks performed on final candidates include past employment verifications, criminal history checks on convictions, outstanding arrest warrants within the past seven years and a credit check. Additional background checks relevant to the role may include a motor vehicle registration check. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.