Underwriting - Senior Underwriter

Position Title: Senior Underwriter – FHA & VADepartment: UnderwritingReports to: VP of UnderwritingPosition Summary:The Senior Underwriter is responsible for reviewing and rendering credit decisions on FHA, VA,Conventional, and Non-Agency residential mortgage loan applications, ensuring full compliance with First HeritageMortgage LLC, investor, and agency guidelines. This role requires expert-level knowledge of HUD and VA policies, strongrisk assessment skills, and the ability to apply overlays consistently. The Senior Underwriter will utilize activeFHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and/or VA SAR/LAPP authority to review credit, income, assets, and collateral, makingsound credit decisions while mentoring junior underwriting staff and supporting complex loan scenarios. Responsibilities and DutiesUnderwriting & Decisioning- Review and validate credit, property, income, asset, and employment documentation for FHA, VA, USDA, and   applicable state housing programs.- Apply HUD Handbook 4000.1, VA Lender’s Handbook, investor overlays, and company guidelines to ensure   compliance.- Utilize DE and/or SAR authority to approve, suspend, counter-offer, or decline loan files.- Review and analyze appraisals for accuracy, completeness, and acceptability under FHA and VA requirements.- Identify and address red flags for potential fraud or misrepresentation. Collaboration & Communication- Prepare clear, concise underwriting summaries outlining the credit decision rational. -Communicate conditions and decisions effectively to Loan Officers, Processors, and other stakeholders.- Support escalated scenarios and complex guideline interpretation requests. File Management & Quality Control - Review resubmissions and clear conditions to issue final approvals. -Maintain quality underwriting standards to minimize audit findings and repurchase risk.- Stay informed on guideline, regulatory, and compliance changes, ensuring timely application in daily work. Mentorship & Leadership Support- Provide guidance and training to less experienced underwriters and processing staff.- Contribute to internal underwriting policy updates and procedural improvements. QualificationsRequired Skills/Abilities- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.- Proven ability to document clear, defensible underwriting decisions.- High attention to detail and strong analytical capabilities. -Expertise in credit, income, and asset evaluation for FHA and VA lending.- Proficiency in reviewing personal and business tax returns for income calculation.- In-depth knowledge of underwriting policies, investor guidelines, and current regulatory requirements.- Professional judgment to handle confidential borrower information with integrity.- Strong time management and organizational skills to meet volume and turn-time goals.Education/Experience Requirements- Minimum 5+ years recent FHA and VA residential mortgage underwriting experience.- Active FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and/or VA SAR/LAPP designation in good standing required.- Experience underwriting USDA and state housing finance/bond programs preferred (Virginia Housing, Maryland Housing, etc.)- Experience in a high-volume retail mortgage environment strongly preferred. - Knowledge of Encompass Loan Origination System preferred.