Mortgage Loan Originator

FIRST STATE BANK AND TRUST

BLOOMINGTON, IL

First State Bank and Trust is seeking an experienced Mortgage Loan Originator to join our growing lending team. In this role, you will build and nurture strong customer relationships, guide clients through the mortgage lending process, and support the residential real estate needs of our communities.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work within our employee‑owned bank, where your success directly contributes to the success of the entire organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively generate new mortgage loan opportunities through outreach, follow‑up, and targeted business development efforts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, referral partners, and community members to support long‑term mortgage business growth.
• Take and process mortgage applications, evaluate borrower financial information, and assess repayment ability.
• Manage all supporting documentation and workflow, including required disclosures, title work, surveys, appraisals, and preparation or coordination of loan closings.
• Provide responsive communication by answering calls, scheduling appointments, and assisting customers with mortgage‑related questions.
• Assist with collection efforts on past‑due mortgage accounts as needed.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of bank products and services, providing cross‑sell opportunities and referrals when appropriate.
• Deliver excellent customer service while ensuring compliance with lending regulations and internal credit standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of mortgage related lending experience
• Strong customer service, communication (written and verbal), and relationship‑building skills.
• Detail‑oriented, accurate, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.

LEARN A LITTLE ABOUT US

At First State Bank and Trust, we're proud to deliver something increasingly uncommon in financial services: a truly independent, 100% employee‑owned community bank. Fewer than a handful of banks nationwide share our ownership structure, and it's the foundation of everything we do. When you work here, you're not just joining a team - you're becoming an owner with a real stake in our long‑term success.

We have built a strong reputation as a trusted financial institution serving seven communities across Central Illinois. With $500 million in assets, we offer a full range of retail and commercial banking services, supported by a growing mortgage banking group and a dedicated trust and wealth management department. You'll find us in Monticello, Champaign, Bloomington, Heyworth, Tuscola, Atwood, and Hammond.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Benefits

Eligible employees can take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package, which includes Health Insurance, vision Insurance, Dental Insurance, Term Life Insurance, and both Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance. Additionally, we offer a Health Savings Account and a Cafeteria Plan. First State Bank and Trust also provides Qualified Retirement Plans, including a 401K Plan and an ESOP Plan.