Becoming a Debt Counsellor
We get many speculative enquiries from people who are interested in working for
CCCS as a debt counsellor and they often ask what skills and qualifications we
are looking for. A question and answer section below has therefore been devised
to answer some of your questions.
These requirements are additional to the general qualities set out on the
‘Working for CCCS’ page.
Q. What qualifications do I need to become a counsellor?
A. We do not require any specific qualifications in order to be successful as a
debt counsellor as we provide a comprehensive, structured training programme
that will give you all the knowledge you need to be able to do the job.
Q. I have studied counselling and am interested in becoming a counsellor at
CCCS. Will my studies support my application?
A. Whilst our debt counsellors do support clients who are understandably having
problems and not always just with debt, our counsellors are not trained to give
any counselling other than around debt and money management. Therefore if you
are wishing to pursue a career in counselling individuals on a face-to-face
basis this is not the role for you. However, any studies undertaken show a
commitment and dedication to personal development and these are qualities we
look for in our staff, so would certainly not be a disadvantage when applying.
Q. I do not live in the vicinity of one of your offices. Would I be able to
work from home?
A. Due to the nature of the work that we undertake and the computer systems we
operate, we do not have the facility to accommodate home working for any staff
at present.
Q. I am really interested in becoming a debt counsellor. How do I apply?
A. When we have vacancies in one of our offices, we always advertise in the
local press. We also post all our vacancies on the website and details of how
to apply and closing dates will be published there.
Q. What skills do I need to be successful as a debt counsellor?
A. You will need to be able to demonstrate an understanding of running a
household budget in order that you are better able to empathise with clients.
As most of our work is conducted over the telephone you will need to possess
excellent verbal skills to convey complex messages to people of all abilities
and levels of understanding. You will need to be able to manage your time
effectively as you will have many demands placed upon you in a working day. PC
literacy is also essential for the role.
