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