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Adoption Counselor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Prelude Fertility

Medical Financial Counselor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Take advantage of our comprehensive fertility benefits, adoption assistance, and surrogacy support to help grow your family. Paid Parental Leave: Generous maternity, paternity, and partner leave so ...

IndyHumane

Canine Enrichment Coordinator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Provide adoption counseling for dogs requiring specific behavioral recommendations or additional placement support. * Communicate relevant handling, enrichment, and behavior information to potential ...

IndyHumane

Canine Enrichment Coordinator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Provide adoption counseling for dogs requiring specific behavioral recommendations or additional placement support. * Communicate relevant handling, enrichment, and behavior information to potential ...

Ascension

Licensed Behavioral Health Counselor

Kokomo, IN · On-site

$60K/yr

Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits * Other benefits: optional ... Licensed Counselor specializing in Mental Health credentialed from the Indiana Behavioral Health ...

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All JobsAdoption Counselor JobsAdoption Counselor Jobs in Indiana

Adoption Counselor information

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How much do adoption counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for adoption counselor in Indiana is $14.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.40 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?

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 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.

What degree do you need to be an adoption counselor?

Adoption counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. Some positions may require a master's degree or additional certification in counseling or social work, along with relevant experience and strong interpersonal skills.

What does an adoption counselor do?

An adoption counselor assists individuals and families through the adoption process by providing guidance, support, and education. They evaluate prospective adoptive parents, facilitate communication between parties, and ensure compliance with legal and agency requirements, often working in social service or nonprofit settings. Strong communication skills and knowledge of adoption laws are essential for this role.
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Adoption Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adoption Counselor job openings in Indiana as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,920 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Animal Shelter Adoptions Counselor - Part Time

IndyHumane

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job description

Position is responsible for consulting with all potential adopters of animals consistent with HSI policies, procedures, beliefs and mission and accountable for accurate paperwork and record keeping for animal adoptions. Position must interact with public, staff, community service, and volunteers professionally and with exceptional customer service skills. Should also be able to communicate and be knowledgeable of municipal laws and ordinances and fundraising aspects of the Humane Society. Is expected to work safely and professionally with the primary goal of doing what is in the best interest for our animals.

Summary of essential job functions

  • Review all adoption paperwork with potential adopters
  • Assist potential adopters in finding the right pet and preventing mismatches
  • Ensure accuracy and completeness of adoption paperwork and money handling
  • Educate and ensure proper animal handling by the public
  • Provides education for adopters regarding obedience classes, suggested training methods and products
  • Answer questions and educate public on our shelter policies, procedures, programs and laws/ordinances , including s/n, microchips and preventative care
  • Sell retail merchandise, Pet Park memberships and microchips and actively solicit donations
  • Daily stocking of retail and assist with inventory as needed
  • Training of new hires
  • Manage the front desk and traffic flow of patrons in the lobby during shelter hours
  • Handle conflicts/issues with patrons as needed
  • Supervise, provide direction and support to other CSR/Adoption Counselors
  • Sets up adoption lobby cash drawer each day
  • Closes cash drawer and completes appropriate paperwork
  • Works with Director of Customer Service to ensure that team functions effectively including set up of Adoption Lobby, and maintaining a clean, organized environment for patrons
  • Assists with daily movement of animals in the shelter, performs a daily audit of the files of animals being made available for adoption and addresses any issues regarding incomplete files with the appropriate department
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum requirements

Possess excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills with attention to detail

Must have demonstrated exceptional skills as a CSR/Adoption Counselor by demonstrating an ability to create a positive, professional environment for shelter visitors and employees

Competent in conflict resolution, customer service with a strong work ethic

Prior retail, food service and animal shelter or kennel experience preferred

Knowledgeable in all phases of animal care, grooming, behavior problems, disease recognition and animal training.

Minimum education: high school diploma or its equivalent. Some post-high school education preferred

Ability to work as part of team with paid & volunteer staff, foster families, and the public

Proficiency in Microsoft Windows programs and electronic communication

Must have a valid Indiana Driver's License

Must be 18 years of age

Abilities required

Must be able to lift 50lbs.

Job Type: Part Time


Schedule: 

11 AM - 7:30 PM every Thursday, 10 AM - 6:30 PM every Saturday and Sunday.

Salary: $15.00 per hour



Work Location: In person

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