Job Details

Job Title: Mortgage Loan Originator

Department: Lending

Reports To: Director of Lending

Location: NeighborWorks Columbus

Employment Type: Full-Time / Non-Exempt (or Exempt, based on classification)

Position Summary

The Mortgage Loan Originator is responsible for originating residential mortgage loans by building and maintaining relationships with prospective homebuyers, real estate professionals, and community partners. This role manages the loan process from application through closing while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, investor, and organizational requirements.

Compensation Structure

• Base Salary: $26,000 annually
• Healthcare Stipend: $7,200 annually
• Commission:
• 0.50% on self-generated loans
• 0.25% on company-provided or non-self-generated loans
• Commission Payment: Paid during the first pay period of the month following loan closings

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Originate residential mortgage loans through self-generated and company-provided leads
• Conduct borrower interviews and assess financial eligibility
• Collect, analyze, and verify borrower financial documentation
• Present and explain loan options in alignment with borrower needs and eligibility
• Ensure all loan applications and files comply with regulatory and investor guidelines, including TRID, RESPA, and Fair Lending requirements
• Maintain accurate and complete loan files within the Loan Origination System (LOS)
• Communicate effectively with borrowers, processors, underwriters, and closing agents
• Manage the loan pipeline to ensure timely processing and closing
• Develop and maintain relationships with referral partners and community stakeholders
• Participate in outreach, education, and homebuyer programs as needed

Performance Standards

• Minimum production: 5 self-generated closed loans per month
• Minimum production volume: $1,000,000 in total closed loan volume per month
• Maintain pull-through rate and pipeline conversion consistent with organizational benchmarks
• Loan file quality must meet internal audit and compliance standards with minimal findings
• Timely response to client and internal communications (within 24 business hours)
• Active participation in weekly pipeline and production meetings

Monthly volume expectations may be adjusted periodically based on market conditions, average loan size, and organizational production goals, at management's discretion.

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)

NeighborWorks Columbus is committed to supporting employee success through clear expectations and coaching. When a Mortgage Loan Originator does not meet established performance standards, a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) may be implemented.

PIP Triggers

• Failure to meet minimum production metrics:
• 5 self-generated closed loans per month and/or
• $1,000,000 monthly closed loan volume
• for two (2) consecutive months or three (3) months within a rolling six (6) month period
• Insufficient pipeline to support both unit and volume expectations
• Low average loan size relative to market opportunity without justification
• Repeated loan file errors, documentation deficiencies, or compliance findings
• Failure to maintain timely communication with clients, referral partners, or internal staff
• Missed required meetings or a lack of preparedness

PIP Structure

• Written plan outlining performance gaps and required improvements
• Measurable goals tied to both loan count and dollar volume
• Defined review period of 30–90 days
• Required check-ins with supervisor (weekly or bi-weekly)
• Additional training, coaching, or resource support as needed

PIP Outcomes

• Successful completion results in a return to good standing
• Failure to meet PIP requirements may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination

Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

• Must maintain active NMLS licensure in applicable states
• Adhere to all federal and state mortgage lending regulations, including:
• Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
• Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
• Fair Housing Act
• Complete all required compliance and continuing education training annually
• Immediately report any compliance concerns or violations

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred
• Active NMLS license or ability to obtain within [X] days of hire
• Prior mortgage lending or sales experience preferred
• Knowledge of mortgage products, underwriting guidelines, and loan structuring
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Proficiency in LOS systems and standard office software

Core Competencies

• Sales and business development
• Attention to detail and regulatory compliance
• Organization and time management
• Problem-solving and sound judgment
• Customer-focused service delivery

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with occasional community outreach or off-site meetings
• Sedentary work; extended periods of sitting, phone, and computer use
• Ability to travel locally for business development activities, as needed

Termination for Cause

Employment may be terminated for cause at any time, in accordance with organizational policy and applicable law. Below are some examples, but not all-inclusive, of reasons for termination.

Performance-Related Causes:

• Failure to meet minimum unit and dollar volume requirements following completion of a PIP
• Sustained underperformance in both loan count and total funded volume
• Ongoing inability to maintain a pipeline sufficient to support required production levels
• Repeated failure to meet job performance standards

Compliance & Regulatory Violations:

• Violation of mortgage lending laws or regulations (TILA, RESPA, ECOA, Fair Lending, etc.)
• Failure to maintain an active NMLS licensure
• Submission of incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading loan documentation
• Failure to disclose required information during the loan process

Ethical Misconduct:

• Fraud, misrepresentation, or falsification of borrower or loan information
• Unethical business practices or undisclosed conflicts of interest
• Misuse of company systems or confidential borrower information

Workplace Conduct:

• Insubordination or failure to follow management directives
• Unprofessional conduct that harms the organization's reputation
• Excessive absenteeism or failure to perform assigned duties

Compensation Disclaimer

Compensation is performance-based. Commission earnings are not guaranteed and depend on individual production and loan closings.

At-Will Employment Statement

Employment with NeighborWorks Columbus is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

NeighborWorks Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any protected status under applicable law.

NeighborWorks Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NeighborWorks Columbus (GA) reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the organization desires. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at-will.” The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.