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Adoption Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Austin Humane Society

Adoption Counselor

Austin, TX

Adoption Counselor Position: Adoption Counselor Reports to: Adoption Supervisor Organization Formed in 1952, The Austin Humane Society is Austin's largest, longest standing, no kill, non-profit ...

Lollypop Farm

Adoption Counselor

Fairport, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Job Type Full-time Description The Adoption Counselor's role is to match available pets with homes looking to expand their families, as well counseling adopters through the transition period with ...

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How much do adoption counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for adoption counselor in the United States is $15.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is an Adoption Counselor?

An adoption counselor works with people involved in or considering the adoption process, including the adoptees, adoptive families, and birth parents. Their job duties involve preparing people for an adoption, or a child for their transfer from foster care. They provide group and individual counseling sessions, work with children and parents to identify potential issues, and help address issues in a healthy way. An adoption counselor often works with adoption agencies to identify good adoptive families, and may interview them or visit their homes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adoption Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adoption Counselor, you need a background in social work, counseling, or psychology, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, adoption regulations, and documentation tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for supporting families and children through complex emotional processes and ensuring legal and ethical standards are met.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by Adoption Counselors in their daily work?

Adoption Counselors often encounter emotionally charged situations, as they support both prospective adoptive families and birth parents through significant life decisions. Balancing empathy with professionalism is crucial, especially when navigating sensitive conversations or managing expectations. Additionally, they must stay informed about evolving legal requirements and documentation processes, which can be complex and time-consuming. Team collaboration with social workers, legal professionals, and support staff is frequent, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.

What are adoption counselors?

Adoption counselors are professionals who guide and support individuals or families through the process of adopting a child or pet. They provide information about the adoption process, assess applicants to ensure suitability, and help match adopters with children or animals in need of homes. Additionally, they offer counseling and resources to help address any emotional or practical challenges before, during, and after adoption. Their goal is to ensure successful and lasting placements.

What qualifications do you need to work at an animal rescue?

To work as an adoption counselor at an animal rescue, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication skills, and a passion for animal welfare. Relevant experience in customer service, animal handling, or shelter work is often preferred, and some organizations may require background checks or certifications in animal care or first aid.

What is the difference between Adoption Counselor vs Adoption Specialist?

AspectAdoption CounselorAdoption Specialist
CredentialsOften requires a degree in social work, psychology, or related field; counseling certification may be preferredTypically requires a similar degree; may also need certification in adoption or social services
Work EnvironmentCounseling sessions, client meetings, and support groups within adoption agencies or social service organizationsAdministrative and case management tasks, working with families and agencies in adoption settings
Employer & IndustryAdoption agencies, social service organizations, non-profitsAdoption agencies, child welfare organizations, government agencies

Both Adoption Counselors and Adoption Specialists work within adoption services, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and certifications. While Adoption Counselors focus more on providing emotional support and counseling to clients, Adoption Specialists handle case management and administrative tasks. Both roles are essential in facilitating the adoption process and supporting families.

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Adoption Counselor jobs near you
Adoption Counselor

Adoption Counselor

Austin Humane Society

Austin, TX

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Adoption Counselor

Position: Adoption Counselor

Reports to: Adoption Supervisor

Organization

Formed in 1952, The Austin Humane Society is Austin's largest, longest standing, no kill, non-profit animal shelter. AHS is dedicated to eliminating unnecessary euthanasia of dogs and cats through:

  • Innovative life-saving adoption programs
  • High-volume spay and neuter programs
  • Engaging the community to be part of the solution
  • Serving animals and people in times of crisis

Position Description

Adoption Counselors are responsible for the placement of animals into appropriate homes using fair and impartial matching techniques in order to maximize the number of lives saved through adoption while provided exemplary customer service to all who interact with the Austin Humane Society.

Responsibilities

Customer Service

Adoption counselors are responsible for ensuring an exemplary customer experience for all who interact with the Austin Humane Society in any capacity. This includes, but is not limited to: properly counseling adopters through the adoption process, providing ongoing interaction and follow-up to adopters and interested adopters, maintaining the aesthetics and appearance of the adoption center, and assisting those who enter the shelter with their needs. Adoption counselors are also responsible for maintaining relationships with off-site adoption venues and their staff. Counselors delicately handle difficult customer service situations with the help of an AHS supervisor.

Adoption of Animals

Adoption counselors are responsible for the adoption of animals both on-site and at off-site adoption locations and events. Counselors ensure that animals are placed into quality homes in which they will receive humane care and treatment based on their individual needs. Adoption counselors are responsible for post-adoption follow-up and assisting potential adopters with questions regarding animals available for adoption. Counselors are also responsible for the safe handling of animals when facilitating visits with potential adopters.

Animal Care, Cleaning and Sanitation

Adoption Counselors are responsible for the daily cleaning and feeding of animals in the shelter and for the ongoing maintenance of animals in the adoption area. Counselors are also responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary adoption lobby. Adoption Counselors are responsible for ensuring that animals are in their proper location and for the reporting of any behavioral or medical issues to the appropriate staff promptly.

Data Entry and Record Keeping

Adoption Counselors are responsible for maintaining quality data and files; including but not limited to: the timely and accurate entry of data into the Petpoint system, entry of information into individual animal files, and maintaining balanced daily deposits for the adoption department.

Transport

Adoption Counselors are responsible for the transport of animals for off-site events and to off-site adoption locations as needed.

Communication/Training

Adoption Counselors are responsible for completing required trainings related to their job as well as participate in cross-training opportunities in other departments of the shelter. Counselors are required to meet with their supervisor on a regular basis as well as participate in weekly departmental meetings and monthly all-staff meetings.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Candidates for this position must have two years of customer service experience in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will also have experience with animal handling and/or veterinary medical experience. Candidates must have exemplary customer service skills and a strong attention to detail.

Physical and Mental Requirements/Work Environment:

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Austin Humane Society may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

Physical/Mental Requirements

Required?

Seeing

Yes

Ability to move distances within & between locations/offices

Yes

Lifting (60 pounds)

Yes

Color Perception (Red, Green, Amber)

Yes

Climbing

No

Carrying (60 pounds)

Yes

Hearing/Listening

Yes

Ability to mount & dismount forklift/truck

No

Driving (local/over the road)

Yes

Clear Speech

Yes

Pushing/Pulling

Yes

Other

Yes

Touching (Dexterity)

Yes

Touching (Hand)

Yes

Touching(Finger)

Yes

Mental Reasoning

Required?

Reading (Simple)

Yes

Reading (Complex)

Yes

Writing (Simple)

Yes

Writing (Complex)

Yes

Analysis/Comprehension

Yes

Clerical

Yes

Judgment/Decision Making

Yes

Basic Math Skills

Yes

Work Environment

Required?

Shift Work

No

Works Alone

Yes

Works with Others

Yes

Verbal Contact with Others

Yes

Face-to-Face Contact

Yes

Works Inside

Yes

Works Outside

Yes

Extreme Heat

No

Extreme Cold

No

Noise

Yes

Mechanical Equipment

Yes

Electrical Equipment

Yes

Pressurized Equipment

Yes

Moving Objects

Yes

High Places

No

Fumes/Odors

Yes

Hazardous Materials

Yes

Dirt Dust

Yes

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of this position.

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