A collateral specialist works with loan documents and helps recover collateral. As a collateral specialist, your job duties include communicating with banks and clients, verifying policies, and assisting with the collateral recovery process. The career requires a background in mortgages and lending. Although some employers in this field prefer work experience over a formal education, many collateral specialists earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related subject. You may also pursue professional certification to demonstrate your expertise and gain a competitive edge. Additional qualifications include strong analytical, research, and organizational skills.