Pros
Location (Right in front of Montgomery BART station in the financial district) -- Unless you're based out of Concord (Now 90% of the workers) in which case, make your own decisions about that (most of us agreed that it's a horrible area to work). Made some good friends with other counselors. No one in counseling or in the call center was arrogant or egotistical barring a couple of people I came across from time to time (they weren't enough to change the dynamic). A few opportunities pop up from time to time but they're for the most part not career-advancing (Will get into this in the cons). You can also choose to give presentations. They're pushing for more presentations, which is a different skill set than simply counseling and a good addition to your resume for when you decide to leave. Good perks if you present too.
Cons
The Pay: The general idea among us old-timers is that part of the reason they moved locations is because they can just hire Concord-based employees and pay them the same. Smart move because the pay is not sustainable if you live in San Francisco, Berkeley, or Oakland. Your raises will be insignificant at your one year review. The Work: Counseling/Coaching can at times be rewarding but most of us (those who have shared their thoughts with me) agreed that it doesn't offset that after 7-8 months the work is just not great. Repetitive and stressful for all the wrong reasons (you won't feel challenged because the work isn't challenging, you'll just be given tasks outside of your regular work and will occasionally be given less time to do it all). Most of the skills you'll pick up are soft skills, so unless you dedicate time outside of work to learn certain software/etc., the job isn't the best resume booster. Your immediate supervisor will almost never be available. Outside of asking your peers the occasional question, you're on your own. The Mood: Most people in credit counseling are drained and ready to leave. There's sense in our department that upper management (whom we don't even report directly to) like to micromanage. One of the senior supervisors is pitching into credit, which is terrible for all of us. This person has no ability to lead or motivate, is confrontational, and straight unpleasant. More often than not they'll make you feel stupid. And if you're in credit, you'll have to deal with them occasionally. Seriously, you shouldn't have to feel stressed every time a senior supervisor calls you. Like in many other workplaces, yes some people are a bit lazy and unmotivated. However, the majority of people in credit aren't complaining because they don't want to work, as some of the positive reviews insist. They're complaining because management have made this an unpleasant place to work. Those that are rating this place positively, I wish I'd known what department they worked for so I could have transferred there. Career Advancement: Doesn't really exist. If you're in credit, you have a couple of viable options. You can become a housing counselor (slightly more pay) or you can try to go for the occasional supervisor openings. There's rarely anything else. It's a job straight out of college and nothing more.