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Adoption Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SCO Family of Services

ADOPTION SPECIALIST

Jamaica, NY · On-site

$30.22/hr

Adoption Specialist DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care **LOCATION: Primary office Queens (will ... Advocates, and medical and mental health staff and with NYC Children's Services, outside medical ...

SCO Family of Services

ADOPTION SPECIALIST

NY · On-site

Adoption Specialist DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care **LOCATION: Primary office Queens (will ... Advocates, and medical and mental health staff and with NYC Children's Services, outside medical ...

Animal Defense League of Texas - San Antonio

Be Seen First

Full-Time Adoption Counselor

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

The Adoption Counselor is a key position within our shelter program. As the first and last contact ... Through community education and empowerment, we advocate for responsible pet ownership.

You Gotta Believe

P/T Permanency Advocate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$21.42/hr

The Permanency Advocate amplifies the You Gotta Believe (YGB) mission through outreach, training ... Support youth morally adopted by YGB families. Collaborate with YGB Case Planner to assist in ...

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Adoption Advocate information

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How much do adoption advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for adoption advocate in the United States is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adoption advocate?

Adoption Advocates are professionals who guide, support, and represent individuals or families throughout the adoption process. They provide information about adoption options, help navigate legal and emotional aspects, advocate for the best interests of children, and often work with birth parents, adoptive families, and agencies. Their goal is to ensure ethical and informed decisions while promoting the well-being of all parties involved. Adoption Advocates may also offer post-adoption support and resources.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an adoption advocate?

To thrive as an Adoption Advocate, you need a solid background in social work or human services, often requiring a relevant degree and knowledge of adoption laws and procedures. Familiarity with case management software, child welfare databases, and legal documentation systems is commonly expected. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and crisis intervention skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively supporting adoptive families and children, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating successful adoptions.

What challenges do adoption advocates face when supporting birth parents and adoptive families?

Adoption Advocates often navigate emotionally complex situations, balancing the needs and concerns of birth parents, adoptive families, and children. One challenge is managing differing expectations and ensuring all parties feel heard and supported throughout the adoption process. Advocates must also stay up-to-date with changing adoption laws and best practices, which requires ongoing education and flexibility. Collaboration with social workers, legal professionals, and counselors is frequent, making strong communication and empathy essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Adoption Advocate vs Adoption Counselor?

AspectAdoption AdvocateAdoption Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related certificationsOften requires a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, adoption agencies, legal settingsChild welfare agencies, counseling centers, adoption agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations advocating for adoption rights and policiesUsed by agencies providing direct counseling and support services

Adoption Advocates focus on promoting adoption policies, raising awareness, and supporting adoptive families, often engaging in outreach and advocacy. Adoption Counselors provide direct emotional support, counseling, and guidance to birth parents, adoptive families, and children. While both roles work within the adoption industry, their primary functions and credentials differ, with advocates emphasizing policy and awareness, and counselors focusing on individual support.

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What states have the most Adoption Advocate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Adoption Advocate jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Adoption Advocate jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Adoption Advocate jobs are:

Adoption Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adoption Advocate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,058 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Adoption Worker

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 243 rated social care providers

Job description

About Us
Children's Home & LSS, LLC (doing business as "Children's Home"; formerly Children's Home Society and Lutheran Social Service) is a dynamic social service organization dedicated to serving children, youth, and families across Minnesota. With a long history of providing care and finding families for children, our Domestic Foster Care and Adoption program continues to grow and create lasting permanency for children waiting in Minnesota's welfare system.
We value trustworthiness, diversity, and work-life balance. Our ALIVE Workplace culture is supportive, positive, and fun - offering careers that challenge, energize, and reward employees.
Why Join Us?
  • Supportive Team: Join a compassionate, mission-driven team that values collaboration and mutual support
  • Professional Growth: Build your expertise through onboarding, applied practice, and ongoing supervision
  • Supervision: Free weekly supervision is provided to all staff, with licensure-track hours available for social workers pursuing undergraduate or graduate licensure.
  • Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible scheduling that supports your well-being while meeting the needs of clients and team collaboration.
  • Hybrid Workplace: Benefit from a blend of remote and in-office work that supports collaboration and work-life harmony.
  • Diverse Caseloads: Engage with a variety of cases that challenge and grow your skills-from infant adoption to foster care and kinship placements.
  • Organizational Stability: Be part of a well-established nonprofit with a strong reputation and commitment to ethical practice.
  • Equity and Inclusion: Work in an environment that actively promotes equity, cultural humility, and inclusive practices.

Major Responsibilities
As an Adoption Worker, you will:
  • Assess Family Readiness: Write home studies, guide families through the foster care licensing process, and provide post-placement supervision and support.
  • Family Engagement: Build trusting relationships with families and youth, supporting them through every step of their permanency and placement journey.
  • Advocacy & Permanency Planning: Advocate for children's best interests and help families navigate permanency options
  • Collaboration: Partner with county and tribal agencies, schools, and community resources to ensure comprehensive support.
  • Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely documentation and uphold all regulatory and agency standards.
  • Placement Support: Provide ongoing support to families and children before, during, and after placement.
  • Team-Based Learning & Reflection: Engage in reflective supervision and peer learning to continuously improve practice and outcomes.
  • Cultural Humility & Inclusive Practice: Approach each family with respect for their unique identities, backgrounds, and experiences-ensuring culturally responsive care.

Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field required. Master's degree in social work or a related field strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Skills: Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask and manage cases, and proficiency in writing and documentation
  • Flexibility: Willingness to work some evenings and weekends to best support families and children.
  • Travel: Ability to travel to family homes throughout Minnesota; must have a valid driver's license, insurance, reliable vehicle, and be insurable under agency policy.
  • Inclusivity: Ability to work with and advocate for all clients, regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or family type.

If you're selected for an interview, please treat it as a formal, professional process. For virtual interviews, choose a quiet, distraction-free space and ensure no one else is present. Make sure you're visible on camera, fully engaged, and prepared to respond to all questions. Please test your audio and video ahead of time and join the meeting on time to ensure things go smoothly.
We look forward to getting to know you!
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, based in Saint Paul, MN, U.S., is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the state, operating since 1865. The company is dedicated to serving the less privileged and marginalized sectors of society and works in the non-profit organization management industry, focusing on social services. The services they provide include counselling, financial services, housing, and disability services amongst others. They firmly uphold their mission of “Expressing the love of Christ for all people through service that inspires hope, changes lives, and builds community.” Their belief in the potential of every individual propels the organization to continue to work on improving people's lives.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

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