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Adoption Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Animal Foundation

Adoption Counselor

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$14/hr

Adoption Supervisor REVISED: 07/10/2026 SUPERVISES: None REVIEWED: 4/14/26 Position Summary: Assists in finding quality, caring homes for adoption animals based upon information obtained through ...

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 in a visitor's journey to adoption, they represent our mission and culture by serving our patrons ...

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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 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?

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 the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,494 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Adoption Counselor (Part-time)

Asheville Humane Society

Asheville, NC

$17/hr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description


Location: Asheville Humane Society - Adoption Center

Regular schedule: Part-time, approximately 24 hours per week; Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

Pay: $17.00/hour, with an increase after 6 months of employment

Help Pets Find the Right Home

Finding the right home for an animal is about more than matching a person with a pet. It's about understanding the needs, personality, and behavior of each animal and helping adopters find a companion who will be a good fit for their home and lifestyle.


As an Adoption Counselor, you'll be one of the primary points of contact for people visiting the Asheville Humane Society Adoption Center. You'll help potential adopters learn about available animals, answer questions, guide them through the adoption process, and complete the paperwork needed to help animals move into their new homes.


You'll also play an important role in the day-to-day care of the animals at the Adoption Center. You'll maintain a working knowledge of the animals in our care, provide prescribed medical and behavioral support, document health and temperament concerns, and work closely with staff and volunteers to keep the Adoption Center clean, organized, and welcoming.


If you enjoy working with both people and animals, are comfortable in a customer-facing environment, and want to help create successful adoptions, we'd love to meet you.


What You'll Do

As a member of the Adoption Center Team, you'll work closely with adopters, volunteers, and staff across Asheville Humane Society to provide excellent customer service while ensuring animals receive consistent, compassionate care.


Responsibilities include:

  • Provide information to the public and counsel potential adopters regarding open adoption policies and animals available at the Adoption Center.
  • Help potential adopters identify animals that may be a good fit based on their lifestyle, experience, and the individual animal's needs.
  • Complete and process necessary adoption paperwork accurately.
  • Process associated retail transactions as needed.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of all animals housed in the Adoption Center, including their medical, behavioral, and adoption information.
  • Demonstrate proper animal handling and care.
  • Provide daily animal care, including cleaning, feeding, watering, and walking as needed.
  • Monitor, report, and document animal temperament and medical or health concerns.
  • Administer medications to animals in the Adoption Center as directed.
  • Carry out behavior protocols assigned by the Director of Behavior and Training.
  • Follow AHS protocols for the movement and placement of animals.
  • Ensure the Adoption Center remains clean, presentable, tidy, and organized in both public and staff areas.
  • Collaborate with volunteers by providing clear communication, guidance, and support while working toward shared goals.
  • Perform other duties that support the mission and daily operations of Asheville Humane Society as directed.


Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Ability to safely handle animals and apply appropriate handling techniques based on individual animal temperament and behavior.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with volunteers, coworkers, adopters, and members of the public.
  • Ability to work in a customer-facing environment while balancing the needs of people and animals.
  • Ability to work a fluctuating part-time schedule based on organizational needs, including weekends.

Preferred

  • Previous experience working with animals.
  • Previous experience in an animal shelter, veterinary, rescue, pet care, or other animal-related environment.
  • Customer service or retail experience.
  • Experience working with volunteers.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and handling animals throughout the day. Applicants should be able to safely lift items weighing up to 50 pounds to a height of 4 feet and safely handle and restrain dogs weighing up to 150 pounds.


The position involves working with animals of varying sizes, ages, temperaments, and behavioral needs in a shelter environment that may include cleaning products, animal dander, noise, and occasional exposure to bodily fluids.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.


Benefits

  • 30 hours of paid time off during the first year
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program that provides free, confidential counseling
  • Paid Holidays
  • Pet Bereavement Leave
  • Pet prescription discounts

 Some benefits begin after 60 days of employment. 

Apply