Item Processing Specialist

TITLE: ITEM PROCESSING SPECIALIST
STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: SUP - ITEM PROCESSING OPS
DEPARTMENT: ITEM PROCESSING
JOB CODE: 11654

PAY RANGE: $22.09 - $23.50 HOURLY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Item Processing Specialist is a seasoned professional with a diverse set of responsibilities that significantly impact and enhance departmental operations. This role is instrumental in delivering top-tier service to members and branch/department personnel in an efficient and courteous manner. The position involves proactive communication and collaboration to assist members and internal business partners in aligning department processes with credit union strategic goals.

TASKS, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS:

• Receive and process a variety of financial transactions, including checks, deposits, bill pay and other related items made through mail, mobile or ATM channels.
• Manage and sustain high volumes of items for processing efficiently.
• Utilize various item processing systems and tools to ensure accurate and timely completion of transactions.
• Conduct thorough reviews of processed transactions to identify and correct errors or discrepancies.
• Monitor and identify fraudulent or suspicious activity during the clearing process of items.
• Perform data entry tasks with a high level of accuracy to maintain the integrity of financial records.
• Conduct through research and promptly respond to inquiries from members, branches, and departments.
• Maintaining Research queue and ensuring daily service level agreement is met.
• This role will involve reviewing and making decisions on items processed through ATM, Bill Pay, or mobile channels, with high limits assigned.
• Validate and verify information to minimize errors in transaction processing.
• Identify and proficiently resolve, or guide others in resolving, issues that deviate from the routine course of business, particularly those linked to intricate or substantial transactions.
• Exercise utmost care and judgment in recognizing member-related or system integrity issues, ensuring prompt escalation to the appropriate level of management for immediate resolution. In cases where members may be affected, prioritize timely communication to management, enabling the dissemination of proper notifications throughout the company.
• Deliver exemplary service to members, branches, and other department staff with efficiency, courtesy, and the ability to handle tier 2 escalations when necessary.
• Closely monitor and uphold the transport system, promptly reporting any system issues to management. This proactive approach ensures that vendors are promptly engaged to identify and implement timely resolutions.
• Partner with seniors and supervisors in department-level initiatives, including projects, service packs, remediations, and items requiring special handling.
• Contribute expertise to support the successful execution of departmental initiatives.
• Organize, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously while being detailed oriented.
• Collaborate with the fraud prevention team to enhance security protocols and minimize risks associated with fraudulent activities.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to credit union compliance including bank secrecy and anti-money laundering laws appropriate to the position.
• Ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide additional support throughout the department and perform other tasks and duties assigned as needed to maintain daily operations.

PHYSICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXERTION UTILIZED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE TASK:

1. Effective oral and written communication skills required.
2. Strong knowledge in Check Acceptance, Funds Availability and Fraud detection.
3. Critical thinking skills needed to identify possible fraudulent activity and member escalations or inquires.
4. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity to skillfully operate an on-line computer terminal and other standard office equipment, such as financial calculators, personal computer, facsimile machine, and telephone.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS & RELATIONSHIPS:

1. INTERNAL: Branches, Contact Center, other departments
2. EXTERNAL: Members, other financial institutions, correspondent bank, and vendors

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION: Successful completion of High School curriculum or GED required.
2. EXPERIENCE:  

• 3+ years’ experience in item processing, cash management, operations, or related financial roles.
• 2+ years’ experience in item processing or operation related financial roles.

3. KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in handling financial transactions.
• High level of awareness and vigilance in identifying potential fraudulent checks.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with internal business partners.
• Ability to multitask and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.

1. • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
   • Professional member relations skills
   • Proficient computer skills and software experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Prolonged sitting throughout the workday with occasional mobility required.
2. Corrected vision within the normal range.
3. Hearing within normal range.  A device to enhance hearing will be provided if needed.
4. Occasional movements throughout the department daily to interact with staff, accomplish tasks, etc.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY STATES OR IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED BY THIS EMPLOYEE. HE OR SHE WILL BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW OTHER INSTRUCTIONS AND TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES REQUESTED BY HIS OR HER SUPERVISOR THAT ARE WITHIN HIS / HER KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY AS WELL AS HIS / HER MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES.

REV. 6/20/2024