Worcester-based Fidelity Bank has hired as vice president/home loan specialist, responsible for mortgage lending activities at Fidelity’s offices in Worcester and Leominster.

Sickles, of Leominster, has more than 18 years of banking experience, the bank said. She previously worked as a residential loan officer with Avidia Bank in Shrewsbury and Northborough; as a mortgage loan officer with Bank of America in Waltham; and as a sales manager/mortgage officer with Countrywide in Leominster.

She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Assumption College in Worcester. Sickles is involved with the Northern Board of Realtors and Chamber of Commerce. She is a notary public and is fluent in Spanish, according to a statement.

Fidelity Bank boasts assets of $522 million, and operates branches in Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Millbury, Shirley and Worcester.