How do they match: Credit Counselors

  • Collections Specialist
  • Credit Specialist
  • Credit Balance Specialist
  • Credit Card Specialist
  • Credit Review Specialist
  • Credit Services Specialist
  • Credit Support Specialist
  • Retention Specialist

  • Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat.
  • Advise clients on housing matters, such as housing rental, homeownership, mortgage delinquency, or foreclosure prevention.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Assess financial status of clients.
  • Develop financial plans for clients.
  • Disburse funds from clients accounts to creditors.
  • Educate clients on financial planning topics.
  • Interview clients to gather financial information.
  • Recommend investments to clients.
  • Refer clients to community or social service programs.