Loan Assistant Development Specialist

## Description

At OakStar, strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do—including how we work together. Since 2005, we’ve grown from a single location in Springfield, Missouri, into a trusted, multi-state financial institution serving communities across Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. As an SBA Preferred Lender and a recognized leader in small business banking, our work supports local economies and meaningful growth—giving our team members the opportunity to make real, visible impact through their roles.

Working at OakStar means joining a fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive team guided by our SERVE values—stewardship, empathy, responsiveness, vision, and empowerment. We’re committed to service excellence, giving back to our communities, and fostering a workplace where team members are supported. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, as well as 401(k), 401(k) match, paid time off, and paid holidays.

**Summary**

The Loan Assistant Development Specialist is responsible for designing, coordinating, and delivering training for Loan Assistants throughout the bank. This position partners closely with the Loan Assistant Coordinator to ensure Loan Assistants possess the knowledge, technical skills, and customer service competencies necessary to provide exceptional support to lenders and clients while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Under the guidance of the Loan Assistant Coordinator, the Loan Assistant Development Specialist will also provide temporary cross-coverage for Loan Assistants to ensure continuity of service.

**Essential Duties**

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive onboarding programs for newly hired Loan Assistants.
• Create structured learning paths for new, experienced, and senior Loan Assistants.
• Maintain training curriculum to reflect changes in regulations, loan products, systems, policies, and procedures.
• Provide temporary coverage during staffing gaps, such as vacations and leave.
• Support continuity of operations during transitional periods, ensuring work is completed in accordance with procedures and compliance standards.
• Work closely with the Loan Assistant Coordinator to establish processes and efficiencies for Loan Assistants.
• Deliver system training related to loan origination systems, document preparation software, imaging systems, document management systems, and core banking applications.
• Observe employee performance and identify knowledge or skill gaps.
• Promote consistency in loan documentation, workflow execution, and customer service practices across all lending locations.
• Partner with lending leadership to standardize Loan Assistant procedures.
• Coach Loan Assistants on best practices, workflow efficiencies, and customer service expectations.
• Recommend workflow improvements that increase operational efficiency.
• Ensure training reflects current banking regulations and internal policies.
• Continuously assess and improve the Loan Assistant training program.

• **Secondary Duties**
• The Loan Assistant Development Specialist performs duties specific to the position and other functions as assigned.
• **Responsibilities**

• Ensure compliance with all bank policies and procedures, as well as all applicable state and federal banking regulations.
• Treat people with respect, keep commitments, inspire the trust of others, work ethically and with integrity, uphold the bank’s values, and accept responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to EEO policy, show respect and sensitivity for cultural differences, educate others on the value of diversity, promote a working environment free of harassment of any type, and value a diverse workforce.
• Follow policies and procedures, complete tasks accurately and on time, support the bank’s goals and values, and benefit the bank through outside activities.
• Perform the position safely, without endangering the health or safety of yourself or others, and report potentially unsafe conditions to management. Comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the OSHA Act of 1970 that are applicable to one’s position at the bank.
• Possess and maintain a current driver's license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage. Both are required to drive while performing assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Possess and maintain adequate skills in computer operation, including email, word processing, spreadsheet, and specialty software programs.
• Possess and maintain adequate typing skills to meet the needs of the position.
• Possess and maintain adequate math skills to meet the needs of the position. This may include the ability to count currency and coin, calculate interest, balance accounts, add, subtract, multiply, and locate routine mathematical errors.
• Practice effective and efficient organizational and time management skills.
• Be able to work with general supervision while performing duties.
• Use effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. This includes the ability to apply common sense when carrying out instructions, interpreting documents, understanding procedures, writing reports and correspondence, and speaking clearly to customers and employees.
• Be able to deal with routine problems involving multiple facets and variables in standardized situations.

**Supervisor Responsibility**

The Loan Assistant Development Specialist is not responsible for the supervision of any employee(s).

**Environment, Physical, & Mental Demands**

The environment for this position is primarily a non-confined office-type setting in which employees are free to move about at will. This environment may include some minor annoyances, such as noise, odors, drafts, temperatures, etc.

Physical demands include writing, typing, speaking, listening, lifting (up to 25 pounds), driving, carrying, seeing (such as close, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjusted focus), sitting, walking, standing, squatting, kneeling, and reaching.

Mental demands include analytical reasoning, reading and understanding documents or instruments, performing detailed work, following directions, problem solving, providing effective customer or employee communication, performing accurate math calculations, understanding language, engaging in effective verbal and written communication, enduring stress, conducting multiple concurrent tasks, and withstanding constant interruptions.

Physical and mental demands also include correct usage of the following equipment: telephones, cellular phones, copy and fax machines, adding machines or calculators, encoders, money counters, credit card terminals, postage machines, cash recyclers, vaults, computers, and related printers.

Work environment characteristics, physical demands, and mental demands are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job and represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform the job in a satisfactory manner. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

## Qualifications

These qualifications are general guidelines normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position. The specifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform the position in a satisfactory manner. Individual abilities may result in some deviations from these qualifications.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a loan assistant or loan operations role within a banking environment.
• Prior experience in a training or mentorship capacity strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of loan processing, documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong understanding of loan documentation requirements.
• Working knowledge of lending regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of loan origination systems, document preparation software, imaging systems, and core banking platforms.
• Strong instructional, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• Proficient in banking software systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work additional or non-standard hours as needed to meet deadlines or respond to other situations requiring extended availability.

*Management reserves the right to change this position description at any time according to business needs.*