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Adoption Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... workers for permanency hearings and other court appearances. • Attend regular adoption update meetings with leadership. • Attend all required training courses. Kinship recruiters should be aware ...

Adoption Counselor

Fairport, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Exercise patience and tact when working with guests in crisis * Perform adoption follow-up counseling * Perform screened adoptions for animals with specific medical or behavioral needs * Maintain ...

Minimum of 2 years-experience working with children with emotional or behavioral problems * Knowledge of adoption laws, child welfare systems, and family dynamics * Valid Driver's License * Limited ...

AI Adoption Specialist

SC · On-site +1

$87K - $114K/yr

Blackbaud is seeking an AI Adoption Specialist to join our Enterprise Technology Group's Change ... Comfortable working in fast-paced environments where priorities and delivery plans can evolve.

Showing results 41-60

Adoption Worker information

See salary details

$11K

$43.1K

$52K

How much do adoption worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for adoption worker in the United States is $43,142.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adoption worker?

Adoption Workers are professionals who help facilitate the legal and emotional process of placing children with adoptive families. They assess the needs of children and prospective parents, conduct home studies, provide counseling, and support families throughout the adoption process. Their role is to ensure the best interests of the child are met, guide families through legal requirements, and offer ongoing support after the adoption is finalized.

How does an adoption worker typically collaborate with other professionals during the adoption process?

Adoption Workers frequently work as part of a multidisciplinary team, coordinating with social workers, legal professionals, counselors, and healthcare providers to ensure the well-being of children and prospective adoptive families. They facilitate communication between parties, attend case conferences, and share updates to address each child's unique needs. This collaborative environment helps Adoption Workers provide comprehensive support, navigate complex regulations, and advocate effectively for the best interests of the child throughout the adoption journey.

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

To thrive as an Adoption Worker, you need a background in social work or a related field, often requiring a bachelor's or master's degree and state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and knowledge of relevant child welfare laws is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to communicate effectively with families and children are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital for ensuring the best outcomes for children, supporting adoptive families, and navigating complex legal and emotional adoption processes.

What does an adoption worker do?

An Adoption Worker helps coordinate the adoption process for aspiring adoptive parents. You are responsible for guiding clients through the various stages of the process, starting with screening the parents looking to adopt a child, explaining the required paperwork and regulations, and working with them to find a parent putting their child up for adoption. You coordinate with other stakeholders, including therapists and teachers, and document findings and ensure all relevant paperwork is current and submitted to the appropriate state authorities. Once a match has been confirmed, Adoption Workers provide support for the adoptive parents, giving frequent updates to waiting parents while the process moves forward, assisting with family support and education while the new child transitions into the home, and helping ensure the well-being of adopted children. Job duties typically include monthly home visits.

What is the difference between Adoption Worker vs Social Worker?

AspectAdoption WorkerSocial Worker
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), certification often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), licensure varies by state
Work EnvironmentChild welfare agencies, adoption centers, private agenciesHospitals, schools, government agencies, community organizations
Employer & Industry UsageSpecialized in adoption services within child welfareBroader scope including family, mental health, and community services

Adoption Workers focus specifically on facilitating and supporting adoption processes, working closely with birth families and adoptive parents. Social Workers have a broader role, addressing various social issues, including child welfare, mental health, and community support. While both roles require similar credentials, Adoption Workers specialize in adoption-related cases, whereas Social Workers handle a wider range of social services.

What cities are hiring for Adoption Worker jobs? Cities with the most Adoption Worker job openings:
What states have the most Adoption Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Adoption Worker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Adoption Worker 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 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,142 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


SCO Family of Services rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB TITLE: Adoption Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care
**LOCATION: Primary office Queens (will also require travel to Brooklyn and Long Island)
STATUS: [Full time] [Exempt]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Meet with pre-adoptive foster parents/kinship foster parents to gather information and documents needed for home study, adoption subsidy, and finalization process.
• Write and organize adoption home study, including any needed addendums.
• Prepare adoption/kinship subsidy application.
• Gather all documents needed to complete adoption package for adoptive parent's attorney to file in court
• Gather all documents needed to complete KinGap packet
• Work collaboratively with casework and home finding staff
• Appear in court for adoption finalizations/KinGAP finalizations and as required by judges and ACS attorneys.
• Prepare status update reports for case workers for permanency hearings and other court
appearances.
• Attend regular adoption update meetings with leadership.
• Attend all required training courses. Kinship recruiters should be aware of any significant changes in the field and be willing to attend outside training, seminars, and workshops, as needed for professional development.
• Fulfills duty of Mandated Reporter, which entails reporting any suspected instances of child abuse or maltreatment.
• Meets with Supervisor one-on-one on a weekly and consistent basis to discuss permanency issues of caseload.
• Communicates and work effectively with SCO foster care support staff such as Youth Skills Coaches, Educational/Vocational Specialists, Parent Advocates, and medical and mental health staff and with NYC Children's Services, outside medical and mental health centers, schools, consultants, other SCO programs, and all other relevant parties.
• Adheres to SCO's personnel policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachler's degree required, BSW or MSW preferred.
  • Approved background clearances and fingerprinting are required
  • Excellent oral and written communication.
  • Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel and Connections.
  • Bilingual abilities are strongly encouraged.
  • Valid NYS Driver License is a must.

In addition, all EFFC employees should possess the following characteristics:• Be team players. Maintain a constructive, cooperative, and positive atmosphere.
• Demonstrate commitment to the Agency's mission and values.
• Be able to empathize and provide quality services to children and families that have histories of chemical dependency, mental illness, neglect, physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse.
• Be willing to work closely with children, families, and staff from different cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as from varying socio-economic statuses.
• Work competently, compassionately and without judgment with individuals who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or may be in different stages of discovering or disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Possess a strong belief in people's ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.
• Be flexible in their ability to work extended hours or irregular schedules in response to the program's needs. Be willing to travel between the various EFFC offices and other agency sites, as required.
• Demonstrate an ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of practitioner, as well as to intervene appropriately.
SCO Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities
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 SCO Family of Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

SCO Family of Services, based in Glen Cove, NY, is a nonprofit human services organization serving more than 60,000 people annually throughout New York City and Long Island. Established in the year 1895, SCO is deeply rooted in the social welfare landscape, committed to helping vulnerable communities build a strong foundation for the future. Operating in the social assistance sector, the organization offers a vast array of services including family fostering and adoption support, special education, youth and family counseling, and homelessness prevention, among others.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Glen Cove, NY, US

Year founded

1895

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