e:

🧭 Core Responsibilities

• Evaluate clients’ financial status
  Analyze income, expenses, debts, assets, and credit reports to build a complete financial profile.  

• Develop and implement financial plans
  Create personalized strategies for budgeting, debt reduction, saving, retirement planning, and credit improvement. 

• Provide education and guidance
  Explain financial literacy concepts including budgeting, credit, investment fundamentals, insurance, tax considerations, and consumer protection. 

• Assist with debt and credit management
  Analyze credit reports; work with clients to dispute errors, improve scores, and, when necessary, negotiate with creditors. 

• Monitor progress and adapt plans
  Track clients’ progress over time, adjust plans as circumstances change, and provide accountability and ongoing support. 

• Stay current on market trends and regulations
  Keep informed about financial markets, laws, and product changes to provide up-to-date advice. 

🏥 Specialized Duties in Healthcare Settings

For those in hospitals or clinics, additional duties include:

• Estimating patient health care costs and explaining payment obligations
  . 

• Verifying insurance coverage and eligibility, assisting with financial aid or Medicaid enrollment.

• Facilitating payment plans with patients and acting as a liaison between patients, insurers, and billing departments.

• Documenting financial discussions and transactions, ensuring compliance with hospital policies.

📋 Additional Common Duties

• Referral and resource coordination
  Connect clients with community programs, legal aid, government assistance, or tax/preparatory services when appropriate. 

• Record keeping and reporting
  Maintain detailed, confidential records of client assessments, plans, and interactions.

• Client communication
  Arrange and conduct meetings (phone or in-person), clearly explain financial options, and address concerns and follow-up queries. 

• Team collaboration and training
  Participate in internal meetings, training sessions, or staff education, especially in organizational environments.  

Typical Skills & Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and FMC (Financial Management Counseling) knowledge
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Empathy, patience, and motivational skills to support client behavioral change
• Familiarity with financial software and tools
• In healthcare roles: Insurance terminology, billing, and medical coding knowledge
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These core duties highlight the blend of analytical, educative, communication, and administrative capabilities that a Financial Counselor must possess to support clients in making informed, sustainable financial decisions.