Credit Counselors

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Code: 13-2071.00

Description : Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explaining loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans, advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, and bankruptcy counseling.

JobTitles : Assistant Director for Financial Literacy, Certified Consumer Credit and Housing Counselor, Certified Credit Counselor, Certified Personal Finance Counselor, Counseling Program Leader, Counselor, Credit Counselor, Financial Coach, Financial Health Counselor, Financial Wellness Coach

Tasks:
  • Assess clients' overall financial situation by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.
  • Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.
  • Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations.
  • Prioritize client debt repayment to avoid dire consequences, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure or to reduce overall costs, such as by paying high-interest or short-term loans first.
  • Recommend strategies for clients to meet their financial goals, such as borrowing money through loans or loan programs, declaring bankruptcy, making budget adjustments, or enrolling in debt management plans.
  • Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information.
  • Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.
  • Advise clients on housing matters, such as housing rental, homeownership, mortgage delinquency, or foreclosure prevention.
  • Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients.
  • Explain services or policies to clients, such as debt management program rules, the advantages and disadvantages of using services, or creditor concession policies.