credit-adviser/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — credit adviser

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 13-2071.00 (Credit Counselors).

Task statements

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

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.