According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations. | 96% |
| Explain services or policies to clients, such as debt management program rules, advantages and disadvantages of using services, or creditor concession policies. | 95% |
| Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals. | 95% |
| Assess clients' overall financial situations by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information. | 94% |
| 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. | 94% |
| 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. | 94% |
| Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions. | 92% |
| Disburse funds from client accounts to creditors. | 91% |
| Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information. | 90% |
| Estimate time for debt repayment, given amount of debt, interest rates, and available funds. | 90% |
| Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients. | 89% |
| Maintain or update records of client account activity, including financial transactions, counseling session notes, correspondence, document images, or client inquiries. | 88% |
| Negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange for payment adjustments, interest rate reductions, time extensions, or payment plans. | 86% |
| Advise clients on housing matters, such as housing rental, homeownership, mortgage delinquency, or foreclosure prevention. | 86% |
| Create action plans to assist clients in obtaining permanent housing via rent or mortgage programs. | 85% |
| Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat. | 84% |
| Review changes to financial, family, or employment situations to determine whether changes to existing debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets are needed. | 80% |
| Recommend educational materials or resources to clients on matters, such as financial planning, budgeting, or credit. | 80% |
| Refer clients to social service or community resources for needs beyond those of credit or debt counseling. | 76% |
| Explain loan information to clients, such as available loan types, eligibility requirements, or loan restrictions. | 75% |
| Teach courses or seminars on topics, such as budgeting, management of personal finances, or financial literacy. | 75% |
| Conduct research to help clients avoid repossessions or foreclosures or remove levies or wage garnishments. | 74% |
| Investigate missing checks, payment histories, held funds, returned checks, or other related issues to resolve client or creditor problems. | 69% |
