Becoming a Credit Counsellor
Many individuals have recently inquired
about becoming a credit counsellor; while we have historically
attempted to meet with each one individually, the volume of requests
and the demand it places on our resources preclude us from continuing
this practice.
To be considered for employment as a
credit counsellor, an individual must possess a combination of relevant
skills, education and experience. This does not necessarily mean that a
university degree is required, however the individual must have a sound
basic knowledge of personal money management concepts and/or
counselling. As well, they should have a minimum 3 to 5 years of
experience in a field related to credit counselling (banking, credit
industry, social work, counselling, etc.). Rarely does a candidate
possess education and experience in both finance and counselling; it is
therefore expected that any gaps in education or experience will be
addressed through on-the-job training.
Relevant skills include listening,
counselling, financial analysis, problem solving, negotiation, using
computers, good written and verbal communication, public speaking,
accuracy, attention to detail, and organization, among others.
A counsellor is expected to complete the
BIA Insolvency Counsellor's Qualification Course within two years of
being hired. This is offered through the Canadian
Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals.
Another program that is useful for
anyone interested in becoming a credit counsellor is the Canadian
version of the Accredited Financial Counsellor program (AFC) offered by
the Association for Financial
Counseling and Planning Education in the U.S.
The Ontario Association of Credit
Counselling Services (OACCS) is in the process of developing a
certification program for credit counsellors, and this program is
expected to be available in early 2006.
One word of caution for anyone
considering a career in credit counselling is the fact that the number
of available positions is very low. There are fewer than 100 credit
counsellors employed by not-for-profit credit counselling agencies in
the province of Ontario. Those who attempt to operate their own
business as a credit counsellor soon learn that the clients whom they
are serving do not have the funds to pay the fees necessary to support
such an enterprise. It is only because of our status as a charitable
organization, and our resulting corporate donations, that we are able
to continue to operate with a fee structure that is affordable for our
clients. Similarly, many creditors will only work with accredited,
not-for-profit agencies that are members of the OACCS or Credit
Counselling Canada.
Being
a credit counsellor is an interesting, dynamic, rewarding occupation,
although (like any job) it is not without its challenges and
frustrations. If you think that you have the combination of skills,
education and experience that would equip you for a career as a credit
counsellor, it is best to forward a resume to your local credit
counselling agency and ask to be considered the next time they are
hiring for a counsellor position. |
