Immigrant Access Fund (IAF), in partnership with Momentum Community Economic Development Society, is seeking a Loan Facilitator to be located in Calgary.

IAF is a community organization dedicated to providing micro loans to help immigrants integrate into Canada’s labour market. Since 2005, the IAF family of organizations has approved $9.4 million in micro loans to 1,700 internationally trained professionals and skilled workers, helping pay for the costs of obtaining the licensing and training they need to work in their field in Canada. IAF’s vision is that immigrants are equitably integrated into the workforce and contributing their expertise to Canada’s economic and social success.

IAF is Canada’s largest and most successful character-based community lending program supporting immigrants. Over 75% of IAF Alberta’s loan recipients who complete their accreditation and training plans find work in their field at the same level or above what they had before immigrating to Canada. IAF loans are available to immigrants living across Canada.

The Position

The Loan Facilitator reports to the Director, Program Development and is responsible for the effective delivery and maintenance of IAF Alberta and Canada loans. The Loan Facilitator’s role is critical, as he/she will have IAF’s primary relationship with loan applicants and approved loan recipients. The Loan Facilitator will also support the Director, Program Development in the successful execution of the Outreach Plan.

Key responsibilities include:

Inquiries

• Act as a resource to inquiry staff by:
• Confirming eligibility, suitability and readiness of loan applicants
• Providing relevant options and referrals for individuals not proceeding with an application or needing to more fully explore other choices

Intake and Assessment

• Explain IAF mandate, vision, policies
• Confirm applicant’s eligibility and understanding of loan vs. grant; when necessary, explain how credit works in Canada
• Explain loan repayment terms and uses of loan funds
• Support eligible applicants with their successful completion of their loan applications and guide them through critical sections of the application form as necessary
• Review applicants’ learning plans and provide information and/or referrals related to professional qualifications and career requirements
• Keep abreast of accreditation processes, learning resources and other community resources, in order to help guide applicants’ learning plans
• Review, and where necessary, work with applicants to refine their budget; where appropriate, refer applicant to community resources
• Complete loan application checklist requirements, including credit report, reference checks, and required documentation
• Schedule and conduct interviews with applicants
• Ensure that loan applications follow IAF policies
• Prepare and submit applicant summaries for the loan review committee’s review
• Participate in Loan Review Team meetings by presenting loan applications and all relevant information to assist the Team in making an informed decision
• Inform applicants of Loan Review Committee decisions; inform approved applicants of any conditions or requirements imposed; inform declined applicants why application was not approved and suggest non-IAF options

Loan Initiation

• Enter all client data for approved loans into the designated loan program software, according to IAF standards and procedures
• Prepare loan documentation; meet with approved applicants to review/sign loan documentation; review loan terms, conditions, repayment schedule, payment dates, payment amounts, etc.
• Establish electronic funds transfer protocols for loan recipients
• Inform loan recipient what is needed to successfully retire the loan and protocols for draws, payments and changes
• Inform loan recipient of process followed if payments are late, loan is not paid back, and impact on their credit rating

Completion of Learning Plan/Repayment of Loan

• Maintain and continuously strengthen the relationship with loan recipients; track and monitor loan recipients’ progress; update client records with relevant information
• Balance loan recipients’ need for flexibility and understanding with IAF’s need to ensure loans are paid back in a timely manner
• Follow established policies and procedures when responding to requests for payment changes, loan renegotiations, and changes to learning plans, additional funds, etc.
• Follow up immediately on delinquent and NSF payments; inquire about the circumstances that led to the delinquency and provide referrals to appropriate community resources
• Produce loan portfolio reports for review with Director, Program Development, as requested
• Collaborate with Momentum (IAF Loan Portfolio Administration provider) to ensure high-quality data and portfolio management with loan program software; participate in training when requested
• Treat all client information confidentially and comply with all privacy legislation and policies
• Maintain organized information in IAF systems as required

Outreach

• Conduct orientation presentations on the IAF program to prospective applicants and referral partners when requested
• Participate in IAF outreach activities as needed; keep abreast of community needs and trends
• Support the Director, Program Development in executing the Outreach Plan

Program Excellence

• Achieve annual targets for loan approvals
• Ensure loans in management are at optimum levels
• Reach loan program targets, including standards and targets for access times, number of inquiries, number of loans approved, ratio of loans approved/declined, payback rate, loan renegotiations, loan write-offs, etc.
• Recommend improvements and/or activities that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the loan program and operations
• Comply with all IAF service standards and policies, as updated from time to time
• Ensure that IAF success stories are captured in TEA and that IAF’s communications team is informed>
• Work with the IAF communications team to build a sense of community among IAF participants

The Candidate

The ideal candidate:

• Possesses a relevant undergraduate degree or diploma, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possesses lending, accounting and/or finance experience
• Has experience in conducting interviews and/or intake processes
• Has experience working with a culturally diverse client base, and is committed to helping immigrants fully integrate into the labour market
• Is familiar with Canada’s immigrant population and the services and programs available to them; has experience working in a community-based environment
• Demonstrates a calm, professional, and empathic response to people’s concerns
• Is inquisitive and flexible, yet assertive, in responding to client requests>
• Is a well-rounded individual with unquestionable professional integrity>
• Manages time well and has excellent organizational skills>
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills in English>
• Is able to be self-directed and works independently
• Is detail oriented
• Possesses intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, internet applications and database software

Working Environment

The hours of work for the position are 37.5 hours/week with some evening and occasional weekend work required. The position will be located at Momentum’s office in NE Calgary for an initial five months for training purposes, and then move to IAF’s Calgary office. Occasional overnight travel outside of Calgary may be necessary. IAF offers a competitive benefit plan upon successful completion of the probation period.

To apply:

Please forward resume with covering letter:
Via e-mail to: job at momentum.org.

State competition number in subject line of email.

Or by mail: #16, 2936 Radcliffe Drive SE, Calgary, Alberta T2A 6M8
Or Fax: 403.235.4646

Attention: IAF Hiring Committee

Competition Number: IAF1001

Closing Date: Until suitable candidate is found

Applicants must state salary expectations in their cover letter.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.