ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Adoption Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Killeen

ADOPTION & CARE ASSISTANT

Killeen, TX · On-site

... an adoption counselor The work environment will require the employee to: • Be in situations that are subjected to animal bites, vicious and/or aggressive animals and communicable diseases from ...

Prince William County, VA

Adoption Specialist

VA · On-site

$23.25 - $45.12/hr

Once open to the public, they will be the primary liaison/counselor to potential adopters, assisting with adoption counseling, visitation, and adoption processing. They will be responsible for ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGovernment JobsSocial Service JobsSocial Worker JobsAdoption Counselor Jobs

Adoption Counselor information

See salary details

$10

$15

$21

How much do adoption counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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.
More about Adoption Counselor jobs

What cities are hiring for Adoption Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Adoption Counselor job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Adoption Counselor jobs?

The top employers for Adoption Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Adoption Counselor jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Adoption Counselor jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Adoption Counselor jobs?

For Adoption Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Adoption Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adoption Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,494 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Adoption Counselor/Animal Care Technician - Ozaukee Campus

WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY

Saukville, WI • On-site

$13.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

How you'll impact our mission:
The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Ozaukee Campus is looking for full-time and part-time Adoption Counselor/Animal Care Technicians (AC/ACT). As an AC/ACT at WHS, you play a critical role in the day-to-day operations and community support through hands-on care for animals, facilitating adoptions, and connecting our community of pet owners to services and resources. AC/ACTs report to the Ozaukee Campus supervisory team and works onsite at the Ozaukee Campus. If you're looking for a rewarding career that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and people while working alongside a supportive team, apply today!
This role also includes a $500 hiring bonus! New hires received $250 at 90 days of employment and the remaining $250 at six months!
Key accountabilities:
  • Provide animals with food, water, enrichment, and other essential daily needs
  • Help animals find new homes via our same-day adoption process
  • Commit to a welcoming, supportive, and non-judgmental approach with all clients, callers, and coworkers
  • Maintain clean animal housing following our high-standard cleaning guidelines
  • Welcome new arrivals via owner surrenders, stray intake, transfers from other organizations, and end-of-life services
  • Partner with our behavior team to ensure safe handling and care of animals
  • Administer medical treatments under the direction of our veterinary team
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records in our animal management software
  • Identify opportunities to connect community members with resources to keep pets in their homes
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated alignment with our mission, people-centered philosophy, and organizational values of compassion, respect, and kindness; innovation; professionalism; equity; and positive approach
  • Ability to navigate emotional aspects of animal welfare work
  • Availability to work some evenings, a weekend shift, and a rotating holiday
  • Able to successfully meet the physical demands of the job, which include stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Must be able to routinely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Prior animal care experience is a plus
  • Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply

Hiring rate: $13.75/hour
Benefits for all staff include:
  • 403(b) retirement plan
  • Mental health and counseling support: all employees and members of their household have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with six free counseling sessions per year
  • Limited low-cost wellness and veterinary care services for staff members' animals
  • Discounts on adoption fees, training classes, youth programs, retail and events
  • Support for student loans: WHS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.

Come see why over 280 staff call WHS home! You'll be happy you did!
About us:
The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin. It was founded in 1879 and operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Door, Brown, and Kenosha Counties, as well as a Spay/Neuter Clinic in West Allis and a wildlife rehabilitation center in Milwaukee. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, low-cost veterinary resources, retail stores, volunteer programs, dog training classes, and much more. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group.
The Wisconsin Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer.
Application instructions:
Click on "Apply Now" to begin your online employment application. We will reach out to you via the e-mail you provided or by phone once we have an update on your application.

Apply