Credit Counselor

Working Schedule

• Credit Counselors work full-time jobs, typically during normal business hours, though they may meet with clients after hours, as needed. Occasional travel may be necessary.

Typical Duties

• Schedule consultations with individuals seeking advice on credit management 
• Review and assess clients’ financial information, such as income, assets, property values, tax payments, and debts
• Collaborate with financial analysts and property appraisers, as needed
• Evaluate external risks affecting clients’ financial stability
• Utilize financial analysis software to organize and interpret clients’ financial data and provide comprehensive credit counseling
• Explain to clients their financial positions and risk factors in clear terms
• Advise clients on budgeting, saving, credit decisions, measures for managing and consolidating debts, and strategies for credit improvement
• Update clients on changes relevant to their credit status and financial plans (such as college funding, paying medical bills, moving, or retiring)
• Engage in discussions with business owners and/or organizational leaders to align credit counseling practices with overarching goals and priorities
• Explain how to manage tax debt
• Provide financial literacy and consumer assistance resources
• Help clients prevent and recover from identity theft

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform regularly scheduled assessments of clients’ credit accounts to ensure ongoing financial health and stability
• Participate in professional development and training sessions to stay current with industry standards and practices
• Assist clients with unique circumstances, such as military deployments, medical crises, or unemployment 
• Develop and update credit counseling policies and procedures to be in line with the industry guidelines

Soft Skills

• Analytical
• Communication skills
• Customer service 
• Decisive
• Detail-oriented
• Independent 
• Integrity 
• Methodical 
• Objective
• Organized
• Patient 
• Problem-solving

Technical Skills

• Credit evaluation and loan management software
• Customer relationship management software
• Financial modeling and analysis skills
• Risk assessment and management principles
• Spreadsheets

• Banks and financial institutions
• Community development financial institutions
• Consumer credit companies
• Credit unions
• Debt settlement companies
• Educational institutions (for student financial counseling)
• Government agencies
• Independent financial advising firms
• Law firms specializing in bankruptcy or financial law
• Mortgage companies
• Non-profit credit counseling agencies
• Online financial advisory services
• Real estate agencies (for housing-related credit counseling)

With the rise of easy credit access and the complexities of modern financial products, the risk of falling into debt has skyrocketed. That’s why the work of Credit Counselors is more essential than ever. They serve as educators and advocates, raising the financial literacy of their clients who can then make better decisions. 

Credit Counselors are invaluable allies in the journey to financial stability and freedom! They help resolve immediate credit issues and lay a crucial foundation for long-term financial wellness. But that means expectations run high, and they have to be extremely diligent because their clients’ livelihoods may depend on their advice. 

Rising consumer debt is a major trend, particularly credit card balances and student loans. The ease of access to credit cards and the escalating costs of higher education have contributed to this uptick. What’s more, the allure of “buy now, pay later” services is tempting consumers to spend beyond their means. 

Meanwhile, online lending and fintech firms are reshaping small business financing, challenging traditional banks by offering faster, more flexible credit solutions tailored for the small business hustle. With so much credit floating around, more people need the services of Credit Counselors who can help them manage debt and spend wisely.