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Credit Counselors - 13-2071.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Accredited Financial Counselor
  • Certified Consumer Credit and Housing Counselor
  • Certified Credit and Housing Counselor
  • Certified Credit Consultant
  • Certified Credit Counselor
  • Credit Counselor
  • Financial Health Counselor
  • Housing Counselor
  • Personal Finance Counselor

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Advise clients on housing matters, such as housing rental, homeownership, mortgage delinquency, or foreclosure prevention.
  • Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat.
  • Assess clients' overall financial situations by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.
  • Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations.
  • Conduct research to help clients avoid repossessions or foreclosures or remove levies or wage garnishments.
  • Create action plans to assist clients in obtaining permanent housing via rent or mortgage programs.
  • Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.
  • Disburse funds from client accounts to creditors.
  • Estimate time for debt repayment, given amount of debt, interest rates, and available funds.
  • Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.
  • Explain loan information to clients, such as available loan types, eligibility requirements, or loan restrictions.
  • Explain services or policies to clients, such as debt management program rules, advantages and disadvantages of using services, or creditor concession policies.
  • Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information.
  • Investigate missing checks, payment histories, held funds, returned checks, or other related issues to resolve client or creditor problems.
  • Maintain or update records of client account activity, including financial transactions, counseling session notes, correspondence, document images, or client inquiries.
  • Negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange for payment adjustments, interest rate reductions, time extensions, or payment plans.
  • Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients.
  • 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 educational materials or resources to clients on matters, such as financial planning, budgeting, or credit.
  • 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.
  • Refer clients to social service or community resources for needs beyond those of credit or debt counseling.
  • Review changes to financial, family, or employment situations to determine whether changes to existing debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets are needed.
  • Teach courses or seminars on topics, such as budgeting, management of personal finances, or financial literacy.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Advise others on financial matters.
  • Assess financial status of clients.
  • Compute debt repayment schedules.
  • Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
  • Develop financial plans for clients.
  • Disburse funds from clients accounts to creditors.
  • Educate clients on financial planning topics.
  • Examine financial records.
  • Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
  • Interpret financial information for others.
  • Interview clients to gather financial information.
  • Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
  • Prepare contracts or other transaction documents.
  • Prepare financial documents.
  • Recommend investments to clients.
  • Refer clients to community or social service programs.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Accounting Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Budget Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Financial Management (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Financial Manager (Army - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

No information available.