[Core] [25% incumbents] Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations.
  DWAs: Compute debt repayment schedules.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Explain services or policies to clients, such as debt management program rules, advantages and disadvantages of using services, or creditor concession policies.
  DWAs: Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.
  DWAs: Develop financial plans for clients.

[Core] [25% incumbents] 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.
  DWAs: Develop financial plans for clients.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Assess clients' overall financial situations by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.
  DWAs: Assess financial status of clients.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.
  DWAs: Educate clients on financial planning topics.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Estimate time for debt repayment, given amount of debt, interest rates, and available funds.
  DWAs: Compute debt repayment schedules.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Maintain or update records of client account activity, including financial transactions, counseling session notes, correspondence, document images, or client inquiries.
  DWAs: Prepare financial documents.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange for payment adjustments, interest rate reductions, time extensions, or payment plans.
  DWAs: Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Advise clients on housing matters, such as housing rental, homeownership, mortgage delinquency, or foreclosure prevention.
  DWAs: Advise others on financial matters.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Create action plans to assist clients in obtaining permanent housing via rent or mortgage programs.
  DWAs: Develop financial plans for clients.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat.
  DWAs: Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints. | Advise others on financial matters.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Review changes to financial, family, or employment situations to determine whether changes to existing debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets are needed.
  DWAs: Assess financial status of clients.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Recommend educational materials or resources to clients on matters, such as financial planning, budgeting, or credit.
  DWAs: Educate clients on financial planning topics.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Refer clients to social service or community resources for needs beyond those of credit or debt counseling.
  DWAs: Refer clients to community or social service programs.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Explain loan information to clients, such as available loan types, eligibility requirements, or loan restrictions.
  DWAs: Interpret financial information for others.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Teach courses or seminars on topics, such as budgeting, management of personal finances, or financial literacy.
  DWAs: Educate clients on financial planning topics.

[Core] [25% incumbents] Conduct research to help clients avoid repossessions or foreclosures or remove levies or wage garnishments.
  DWAs: Develop financial plans for clients.

[Supplemental] [25% incumbents] Investigate missing checks, payment histories, held funds, returned checks, or other related issues to resolve client or creditor problems.
  DWAs: Examine financial records.

[Core] [24% incumbents] 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.
  DWAs: Recommend investments to clients.

[Core] [24% incumbents] Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information.
  DWAs: Interview clients to gather financial information.

[Core] [24% incumbents] Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients.
  DWAs: Prepare contracts or other transaction documents.

[Supplemental] [23% incumbents] Disburse funds from client accounts to creditors.
  DWAs: Disburse funds from clients accounts to creditors.

--- SKILLS ---
  Speaking (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Listening (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Writing (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Active Learning (imp:3.62 lvl:3.50) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Mathematics (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Monitoring (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Science (imp:1.00) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:4.64 lvl:5.96) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  English Language (imp:4.08 lvl:4.28) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Mathematics (imp:3.64 lvl:3.76) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Administrative (imp:3.48 lvl:4.28) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Education and Training (imp:3.44 lvl:4.00) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Economics and Accounting (imp:3.28 lvl:3.20) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Psychology (imp:3.00 lvl:3.62) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.96 lvl:3.44) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Communications and Media (imp:2.96 lvl:2.79) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Administration and Management (imp:2.92 lvl:2.84) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.88 lvl:3.58) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:2.71 lvl:2.88) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:2.60 lvl:2.60) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Law and Government (imp:2.48 lvl:2.76) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Telecommunications (imp:2.36 lvl:0.96) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Foreign Language (imp:1.92 lvl:1.48) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:1.80 lvl:1.33) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Production and Processing (imp:1.80 lvl:1.04) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.76 lvl:1.72) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Public Safety and Security (imp:1.68 lvl:1.20) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Transportation (imp:1.44 lvl:0.80) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  History and Archeology (imp:1.36 lvl:0.72) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Geography (imp:1.32 lvl:0.52) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.12 lvl:0.32) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Design (imp:1.12 lvl:0.29) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Food Production (imp:1.09 lvl:0.22) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Mechanical (imp:1.08 lvl:0.21) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Physics (imp:1.08 lvl:0.16) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Fine Arts (imp:1.08 lvl:0.20) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.04 lvl:0.04) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Building and Construction (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Chemistry (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Biology (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Expression (imp:4.12 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Written Expression (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Information Ordering (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Near Vision (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Originality (imp:2.88 lvl:3.12) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Category Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Time Sharing (imp:2.75 lvl:2.50) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Memorization (imp:2.12 lvl:2.25) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Visualization (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Finger Dexterity (imp:2.00 lvl:1.50) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.00 lvl:1.62) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Far Vision (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Auditory Attention (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:1.50 lvl:0.88) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Manual Dexterity (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Control Precision (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Trunk Strength (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Response Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:1.00) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Static Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Stamina (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Depth Perception (imp:1.00) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:4.56 lvl:4.52) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Working with Computers (imp:4.39 lvl:2.96) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.39 lvl:4.04) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.12 lvl:4.38) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.00 lvl:4.52) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:4.00 lvl:4.68) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Processing Information (imp:3.92 lvl:3.96) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:3.84 lvl:4.12) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:3.84 lvl:3.48) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.80 lvl:3.88) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.75 lvl:4.84) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.74 lvl:3.92) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.68 lvl:3.88) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.62 lvl:4.67) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.46 lvl:3.12) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.42 lvl:3.28) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.22 lvl:3.52) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:3.20 lvl:2.92) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.17 lvl:3.62) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.17 lvl:3.04) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.12 lvl:2.80) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.09 lvl:3.21) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.08 lvl:3.32) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.04 lvl:2.88) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.72 lvl:2.25) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.54 lvl:2.72) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:2.40 lvl:2.40) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.39 lvl:2.16) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.38 lvl:1.88) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:2.32 lvl:1.88) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:1.96 lvl:1.67) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:1.88 lvl:1.32) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:1.50 lvl:1.33) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.48 lvl:0.92) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:1.46 lvl:0.62) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:1.42 lvl:0.54) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:1.40 lvl:0.84) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.29 lvl:0.46) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.21 lvl:0.25) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.09 lvl:0.17) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.00) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:9.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:8.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:7.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:6.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Cooperation (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:4.00) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Self-Control (imp:3.00) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Dependability (imp:2.65) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.63) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:2.55) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Empathy (imp:2.43) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Sincerity (imp:2.24) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Social Orientation (imp:2.22) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Cooperation (imp:2.18) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:2.06) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Self-Control (imp:2.06) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Empathy (imp:2.00) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Perseverance (imp:1.97) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.80) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.71) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.66) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Optimism (imp:1.63) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Initiative (imp:1.53) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Humility (imp:1.52) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.35) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Adaptability (imp:1.22) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.18) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:1.03) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Sincerity (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Innovation (imp:0.70) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Service Orientation (imp:3.62 lvl:3.50) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.50 lvl:3.25) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.50 lvl:3.25) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Persuasion (imp:3.38 lvl:3.50) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Coordination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Time Management (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Systems Evaluation (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Instructing (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.12 lvl:2.62) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.88 lvl:1.00) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:1.00) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.62 lvl:0.75) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Programming (imp:1.50 lvl:0.75) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.12 lvl:0.25) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:1.00) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Operation and Control (imp:1.00) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Troubleshooting (imp:1.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Repairing (imp:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 27,770
  annual_median    : $52,230
  annual_pct10     : $38,350
  annual_pct25     : $45,720
  annual_pct75     : $64,080
  annual_pct90     : $80,440
  annual_mean      : $57,210
  hourly_median    : $25.11

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : California ($67,120)
  lowest_state     : Missouri ($30,580)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.195x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (47 total) ---
  Educational Services                     emp:   14,910  median: $  55,030
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:    3,660  median: $  51,680
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    3,510  median: $  51,820
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    2,930  median: $  47,940
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      900  median: $  58,810
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      400  median: $  45,370
  Retail Trade                             emp:      280  median: $  57,660
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      160  median: $  59,980
  Real Estate and Rental and Leasing       emp:      120  median: $  67,990
  Construction                             emp:       50  median: $  57,540

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (11 total) ---
  Educational Services                     emp:   14,910  median: $  55,030
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:    3,660  median: $  51,680
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    3,510  median: $  51,820
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    2,930  median: $  47,940
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      900  median: $  58,810
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      400  median: $  45,370
  Retail Trade                             emp:      280  median: $  57,660
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      160  median: $  59,980
  Real Estate and Rental and Leasing       emp:      120  median: $  67,990
  Construction                             emp:       50  median: $  57,540

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Credit counseling
match_score        : 0.8235
wikidata_qid       : Q5183769
word_count         : 1,528
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_counseling
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T20:17:44.357741Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
Credit counseling (known in the United Kingdom as debt counseling) is a process used to help individual debtors overcome their debt through financial education, budgeting, debt management plans (DMPs) – known in the United Kingdom as the individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) – and a variety of other tools with the goal of reducing and ultimately eliminating debt. 
Credit counseling is often provided by credit counseling agencies (CCAs). These agencies work with consumers to help them understand their financial situations and explore the best ways to repay their debts. 
Regulations on credit counseling and credit counseling agencies vary by country and sometimes within regions of the countries themselves. In the United States, individuals filing bankruptcy are required to receive credit counseling.


== Overview ==
In the United States, the modern practice known as ‘‘credit counseling’’ was initiated by creditor banks and credit card companies during the mid-1960s to address the growing volume of consumer debt and personal bankruptcies. Although there is variation from country to country and even in regions within countries, consumer debt is primarily made up of home loans, credit card debt, student loans, medical debt and car loans.  
Credit counseling is provided by credit counseling agencies (CCAs). Most reputable CCAs are nonprofits with low fees that offer services through local offices, online or by phone.
Credit counseling agencies are staffed by counselors who are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. When a consumer works with a CCA, their counselor reviews their financial situation and helps develop a personalized plan to pay off debt. 
The counselor might recommend that the consumer enroll in a debt management plan to help repay their unsecured debts. The counselor would then develop a consolidated payment schedule with the consumer and their creditors. The creditors may agree to lower the interest rates, and may waive fees associated with the account. The consumer makes a single monthly payment to the credit counseling agency, which  distributes those funds to the creditors enrolled in the debt management plan.
Other debt reduction strategies may include debt consolidation loans, the debt snowball method, reverse mortgages and other options. In debt consolidation, one new loan replaces multiple unsecured credit debts. The debt snowball method is a budgeting approach that addresses debt systematically by paying off the smallest debt first, then rolling the money that used to go to that bill to pay off the next smallest debt and so on. Reverse mortgages allow older homeowners to immediately access the equity they have built up in their homes and defer payment of the loan until they die, sell or move out of the home.


== Criticism ==
Globally, some debt reduction methods have been associated with predatory practices. Some companies claiming to help consumers fail to meet required standards, charge unlawful or unreasonable fees, fail to provide affordable solutions for consumers, and neglect to make customers aware of free debt services available elsewhere.
In the United States, credit counseling and debt management plans are sometimes confused with risky debt settlement programs, but the two strategies are significantly different. Credit counseling agencies work with creditors and secure their approval for each debt management plan. Debt settlement company clients may be subject to collection efforts, including negative credit reporting and lawsuits, while the companies attempt to negotiate settlements.
Debt settlement programs are typically offered by for-profit companies to people with significant credit card debt. These programs are aimed at negotiating a “settlement,” or lump sum payment, with the creditor that is less than what is owed. However, debt settlement companies typically charge high fees, any amount that is forgiven is usually considered taxable income, and the consumer’s credit score can be significantly negatively impacted.


== Regulations by country ==


=== United States ===
In the United States, credit counseling agencies are subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency; the Internal Review Service (IRS); and the U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) at the Department of Justice. Different states may regulate debt management plans individually, and Attorneys General are empowered to protect state citizens from fraud. Some states regulate credit counseling companies, such as by requiring licensure and limiting fees. Many states do not have laws that directly regulate the credit counseling industry.
Two professional membership organizations represent credit counseling agencies in the United States. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), established in 1951, and the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA), established in 1993, set industry standards, provide consumer protection guidelines and offer compliance oversight. The NFCC and FCAA refer consumers to member agencies that meet the industry’s rigorous ethical standards to act in the best interest of the consumer. Member agencies help consumers by providing financial education, budget help, credit counseling, student loan counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling and bankruptcy counseling and education. 


=== United Kingdom ===
In the United Kingdom, the Financial Conduct Authority is responsible for the regulation of consumer credit and has established a Debt Management Plan Protocol. It can impose fines for improper conduct.


=== European Union ===
Elsewhere in the European Union, regulation and non-regulation of Credit counseling agencies and their approaches, including DMPs, are widely varied. In Sweden, guidelines for credit counseling are loosely provided by the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO) and creditors are encouraged to use them in lieu of the court system. In Ireland, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) provides debt resolution information directly to debtors. In Latvia, a debt advisory company called LAKRA works with employers to assist indebted employees.


=== Canada ===
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) advises Canadians to do their research and find a trustworthy organization and a qualified counselor. They suggest making sure an agency is in good standing with a provincial or national association. They recommend looking carefully at the agency's advertising to see if it sounds too good to be true. Claims or misrepresentations to look out for can include repaying only a fraction of your debt, quickly fixing your credit score, or claiming to be part of a government program. 
They also suggest consumers inquire about an agency's services, costs, and counselor qualifications. The FCAC has also warns Canadians to be careful of companies offering to help them pay off their debt or repair their credit. Things to watch out for include guarantees to solve debt problems and using high interest loans to pay off debt. Some of these companies also claim that they can file a consumer proposal on behalf of a consumer. However, the FCAC points out that only a qualified licensed insolvency trustee can help someone with a consumer proposal or bankruptcy.


=== South Africa ===
The National Credit Regulator (NCR) was established as the regulator under the National Credit Act No. 34 of 2005 (The Act) and is responsible for the regulation of the South African credit industry. It is tasked with carrying out education, research, policy development, registration of industry participants, investigation of complaints, and ensuring the enforcement of the Act. 
The NCR is also tasked with the registration of credit providers, credit bureau and debt counsellors; and with the enforcement of compliance with the Act. Debt Counseling was introduced and enforced in 2007. This enabled over-indebted con

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: List of English-language generic Internet top-level domains (similarity: 0.1842)
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  Extract: 
This list of English-language generic Internet top-level domains  (TLD) contains generic top-level domains, which are those domains in the DNS root zone of the Domain Name System of the Internet. A list of the top-level domains by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is maintained at the 

  Title: National Foundation for Credit Counseling (similarity: 0.4828)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Foundation_for_Credit_Counseling
  QID: Q6972784
  Extract: The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the largest and longest-serving nonprofit financial counseling organization in the United States. NFCC member agencies provide access to financial counseling services for consumers. The organization's headquarters is in Washin

  Title: Personal finance (similarity: 0.1818)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_finance
  QID: Q253613
  Extract: Personal finance is the financial management that an individual or a family unit performs to budget, save, and spend monetary resources in a controlled manner, taking into account various financial risks and future life events.

  Title: Financial adviser (similarity: 0.3529)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_adviser
  QID: Q683476
  Extract: A financial adviser or financial advisor is a professional who provides financial services to clients based on their financial situation. In many countries, financial advisors must complete specific training and be registered with a regulatory body in order to provide advice.

  Title: Walden University (similarity: 0.1765)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walden_University
  QID: Q7961486
  Extract: Walden University is a private, for-profit online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and specialist degrees. The university is owned by Covista, which purchased the university in August 2021. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learn

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on comprehensive O*NET data, clear task descriptions, robust wage data from BLS OEWS May 2025, and exact Wikipedia match that validates the occupation definition and scope.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T13:39:43.684505+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,661
tokens_output        : 4,208
cost_usd             : $0.045694
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Credit counseling
wikipedia_note       : The Wikipedia entry confirms that credit counseling involves helping individual debtors overcome debt through financial education, budgeting, and debt management plans, aligning with the O*NET occupation description. The process focuses on reducing and eliminating debt, which matches the core functions described in the occupation data.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Credit Counselors advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt, helping develop debt management plans and providing guidance on credit issues. They work primarily in educational services, finance and insurance, and healthcare organizations to help clients overcome financial challenges through counseling and education. These professionals combine financial expertise with interpersonal skills to guide clients toward financial stability and debt resolution.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Credit counselors begin their day by reviewing client financial documents, including income statements, credit reports, and debt obligations to assess overall financial situations. They conduct one-on-one counseling sessions where they calculate clients' available monthly income, create customized debt management plans, and prioritize debt repayment strategies to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure. Much of their time involves explaining financial concepts, policies, and program rules to clients while documenting session notes and maintaining detailed records of client account activity. They frequently negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange payment adjustments, interest rate reductions, or extended repayment terms. Their work requires extensive computer use for financial calculations, record-keeping, and communication with clients and creditors.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel as credit counselors typically possess strong conventional and social personality traits, enjoying structured problem-solving and helping others navigate financial challenges. They demonstrate exceptional dependability and attention to detail, as financial accuracy and client trust are paramount in this role. Successful counselors have excellent oral and written communication abilities, allowing them to explain complex financial concepts clearly and build rapport with clients experiencing financial stress. They show high integrity and cautiousness in their work styles, understanding the serious consequences of financial decisions for their clients' lives.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most credit counselors enter the field with a bachelor's degree (40% of professionals), though some begin with a high school diploma (36%) or post-secondary certificate (12%) in relevant areas. Entry-level positions often require knowledge of customer service, mathematics, and basic financial concepts. Many employers prefer candidates with coursework or experience in finance, accounting, economics, or psychology, as these areas provide foundational knowledge for understanding both the technical and human aspects of debt counseling.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Credit counselors can advance to supervisory roles within counseling organizations or transition to related financial services positions such as personal financial advisors, loan officers, or financial analysts. Some pursue additional certifications to become specialized financial counselors or move into financial management roles. The strong foundation in client relations, financial analysis, and debt management creates pathways to higher-paying positions in banking, investment services, or financial planning firms.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
Credit counselors earn a median annual salary of $52,230 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, with earnings ranging from $38,350 at the 10th percentile to $80,440 at the 90th percentile across 27,770 employed professionals. Geographic variation is significant, with California offering the highest median wages at $67,120 compared to Missouri's $30,580, representing a 2.19x ratio. Educational services employ the largest number of credit counselors (14,910), followed by finance and insurance (3,660), and healthcare and social assistance (3,510). The profession shows stable demand driven by ongoing consumer debt challenges and regulatory requirements for financial education in various lending contexts.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Credit counselors face moderate automation risk as their core activities involve complex human interaction, empathy, and nuanced financial problem-solving that current technology cannot fully replicate. While routine calculations and record-keeping may become more automated, the essential counseling, negotiation, and educational functions require human judgment and emotional intelligence that remain difficult to automate.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Personal Financial Advisors (13-2052.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share financial planning focus with similar knowledge requirements in economics and accounting, representing natural career progression.
    data: Customer and Personal Service knowledge overlap
    data: Financial planning work activities
    data: Job Zone 4 preparation level
  [skill_overlap] Loan Officers (13-2072.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both require strong client communication skills, financial analysis abilities, and debt evaluation expertise.
    data: Speaking skill importance 4.0
    data: Mathematics knowledge 3.6
    data: Working with creditors experience
  [knowledge_overlap] Credit Analysts (13-2041.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Shared requirements in mathematics, economics and accounting knowledge, plus similar analytical reasoning abilities.
    data: Mathematics knowledge level 3.8
    data: Economics and Accounting knowledge 3.3
    data: Deductive Reasoning 3.8
  [task_similarity] Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks (43-4041.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles involve credit report analysis, client financial assessment, and documentation of credit-related activities.
    data: Credit report review tasks
    data: Documenting/Recording Information 4.4
    data: Customer service focus
  [career_pathway] Financial Managers (11-3031.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Credit counseling experience provides foundational financial analysis and client management skills valuable for management roles.
    data: Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.1
    data: Financial planning expertise
    data: Management potential through counseling experience

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['credit counselor', 'debt counselor', 'financial counselor', 'consumer credit', 'debt management', 'credit consultant', 'financial education', 'credit services']
  exclude_keywords : ['debt collector', 'loan originator', 'insurance agent', 'investment advisor', 'tax preparer']
  title_patterns   : ['*credit counselor*', '*debt counselor*', '*financial counselor*', '*credit consultant*', '*consumer credit*']
  common_variations: ['Credit Counselor', 'Consumer Credit Counselor', 'Debt Management Counselor', 'Financial Education Counselor', 'Credit Consultant', 'Certified Credit Counselor', 'Housing Credit Counselor', 'Accredited Financial Counselor']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['financial', 'debt', 'credit', 'counseling', 'others', 'tendency', 'clients', 'management', 'equipment', 'services', 'plans', 'consumer', 'principles', 'resources', 'includes', 'control', 'objects', 'agencies', 'materials', 'help']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
financial                  80  0.02140  wikipedia            wikipedia:34%  inference:29%  dwas:19%
debt                       77  0.02060  wikipedia            wikipedia:70%  inference:16%  onet_tasks:12%
credit                     59  0.01578  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:19%  onet_tasks:7%
counseling                 44  0.01177  wikipedia            wikipedia:77%  inference:14%  onet_tasks:5%
others                     42  0.01124  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  dwas:7%  inference:2%
tendency                   42  0.01124  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
clients                    40  0.01070  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:40%  dwas:32%  inference:20%
management                 34  0.00910  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  onet_dimensions:21%  onet_tasks:15%
equipment                  23  0.00615  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
services                   21  0.00562  wikipedia            wikipedia:43%  onet_dimensions:29%  inference:19%
plans                      21  0.00562  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:33%  wikipedia:24%  dwas:19%
consumer                   21  0.00562  wikipedia            wikipedia:90%  onet_tasks:5%  inference:5%
principles                 16  0.00428  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
resources                  12  0.00321  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  onet_tasks:17%  wikipedia:8%
includes                   12  0.00321  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
control                    12  0.00321  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00321  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
agencies                   12  0.00321  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
materials                  11  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  onet_tasks:9%
help                       11  0.00294  wikipedia            wikipedia:73%  onet_tasks:9%  onet_dimensions:9%
problems                   11  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:82%  onet_tasks:9%  wikipedia:9%
standards                  11  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:73%  wikipedia:27%
ideas                      11  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
body                       11  0.00294  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  wikipedia:9%
united                     11  0.00294  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
counselors                 11  0.00294  inference            inference:91%  wikipedia:9%
rules                      10  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  onet_tasks:10%  inference:10%
creditors                  10  0.00267  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:20%
programs                   10  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:40%  wikipedia:30%  onet_tasks:20%
personal                   10  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:60%  wikipedia:20%  onet_tasks:10%
human                      10  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  inference:30%
techniques                 10  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
quickly                    10  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  wikipedia:10%
activities                 10  0.00267  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  inference:10%
consumers                  10  0.00267  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
states                     10  0.00267  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
client                      9  0.00241  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:56%  inference:44%
interest                    9  0.00241  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:33%  wikipedia:33%  onet_dimensions:22%
actions                     9  0.00241  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  onet_tasks:11%
social                      9  0.00241  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:56%  inference:22%  onet_tasks:11%