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Adoption Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arizona Humane Society

Adoption Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Adoptions Specialist The Arizona Humane Society is seeking a dedicated and motivated full-time Adoptions Specialist to join our team and work Thursday through Monday, 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM, at our ...

Vergence

Adoption Specialist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$25.67/hr

Perform multiple adoption eligibility tasks such as reviewing and processing status reports, preparing packets, making copies as requested, managing electronic files, open and appropriately ...

NECCO

Adoption Specialist

Fairmont, WV

The Adoption Specialist ensures safe, ethical, and timely placements by conducting assessments, coordinating services, and providing ongoing support from intake through post-adoption stabilization.

Necco

Adoption Specialist

Fairmont, WV · On-site

The Adoption Specialist ensures safe, ethical, and timely placements by conducting assessments, coordinating services, and providing ongoing support from intake through post-adoption stabilization.

Necco, LLC

Adoption Specialist

Fairmont, WV · On-site

The Adoption Specialist ensures safe, ethical, and timely placements by conducting assessments, coordinating services, and providing ongoing support from intake through post-adoption stabilization.

Safe Children Coalition

Adoption Specialist

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description SUMMARY The Adoption Specialist (AS) works directly with children in care to provide them a forever family for the Manatee County (office location in the Lakewood Ranch ...

D.A. Blodgett

Adoption Specialist

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Adoption Supervisor Beginning Pay Range: $36,660-$39,104 Classification: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt D.A. Blodgett- St. John's D.A. Blodgett- St. John's provides a continuum of care with ...

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Adoption information

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How much do adoption jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for adoption in the United States is $21.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Adoption vs Child Welfare Specialist?

AspectAdoptionChild Welfare Specialist
Required CredentialsSocial work degree, licensing, certification in adoptionSocial work degree, licensing, child welfare certification
Work EnvironmentAdoption agencies, private or public organizationsChild protective services, government agencies
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government, private agenciesGovernment agencies, child protective services
Common Search & ComparisonPeople compare adoption roles with child welfare specialists due to overlapping responsibilities

While both adoption professionals and child welfare specialists work within the child services industry, adoption focuses on facilitating the legal and emotional process of placing children with families. Child welfare specialists primarily work to protect children, investigate abuse, and ensure safety. Understanding these differences helps individuals choose the right career path or service focus within the child services sector.

Can I get paid for adopting a child?

Adoption professionals, such as social workers or agency staff, typically do not receive payment for adopting a child; instead, they may receive a salary or hourly wage for their work. In some cases, foster care providers or kinship caregivers may receive financial assistance or stipends to cover expenses related to caring for the child, but these are not payments for the adoption itself. Adoption is generally a legal process focused on providing a permanent home rather than a paid employment opportunity.

How to become an adoption worker?

To become an adoption worker, typically a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is required, along with relevant experience in child welfare or social services. Many states also require licensure or certification, such as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential. Strong communication, assessment skills, and knowledge of adoption laws are essential for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by adoption caseworkers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Adoption caseworkers often encounter challenges such as balancing large caseloads, navigating complex family dynamics, and adhering to legal and ethical requirements. Managing these demands requires strong organizational skills, empathy, and effective communication with all parties involved, including birth parents, adoptive families, and legal professionals. Support from supervisors and colleagues, regular training, and self-care practices are crucial for maintaining resilience and providing the best outcomes for children and families.

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

To thrive as an Adoption Specialist, you need a background in social work, psychology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and licensure. Familiarity with case management software, legal documentation systems, and child welfare regulations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help build trust with families and navigate complex emotional situations. These abilities ensure ethical, effective placements and support the well-being of both children and adoptive families.

What is the highest paying job to work with children?

The highest paying jobs working with children typically include pediatric surgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, and specialized medical professionals, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. These roles require advanced medical degrees, certifications, and extensive training, and they involve working in hospitals or specialized clinics.

Can I adopt if I have diabetes?

Adoption agencies generally do not exclude individuals with diabetes, as long as the condition is well-managed and does not impair your ability to care for a child. Applicants may need to provide medical documentation and undergo a health assessment as part of the home study process.

What are adoption professionals and what do they do?

Adoption professionals are individuals or organizations that assist with the legal and emotional process of adopting a child. They include social workers, adoption agencies, attorneys, and counselors who help birth parents, adoptive parents, and children through every step of the adoption journey. Their responsibilities may involve assessing prospective adoptive families, matching children with families, providing counseling, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met to finalize an adoption. These professionals are crucial for ensuring that the adoption process is ethical, legal, and in the best interest of the child.
More about Adoption jobs
What cities are hiring for Adoption jobs? Cities with the most Adoption job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Adoption jobs? The most popular types of Adoption jobs are:
What states have the most Adoption jobs? States with the most job openings for Adoption jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Adoption jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Adoption jobs are:
Adoption jobs near you
Adoption Specialist

Adoption Specialist

Safe Children Coalition

Bradenton, FL

$50K - $55K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description

SUMMARY 

The Adoption Specialist (AS) works directly with children in care to provide them a forever family for the Manatee County (office location in the Lakewood Ranch area) This includes conducting home visits, ensuring the child's needs are met, recruiting homes for waiting children, conducting home studies and child assessment studies, matching waiting children with adoptive families, preparing children and families for the adoption process, providing support and guidance through the process, coordinating subsidy, and facilitating legal finalization.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Visit the child in the home setting at least a minimum of every 25 days (or more if directed by supervisor) in order to assess child's adjustment and readiness for adoption.

Adoption Specialist should be generally knowledgeable about the child and family and have sufficient information to present at court, administrative staffing's, permanency staffing's, and school staffing's.

Develop individualized recruitment plan for children who are waiting for adoptive homes.

Facilitate placing children on various exchanges and databases to aid in recruitment efforts.

Conduct an in-depth home study process with adoptive applicants. 

Conduct an in-depth child study process.

Provide ongoing supervision and support to the adoptive placement, ensuring that the family is providing a safe and secure home environment for the child, including immediate referral for crisis intervention and supportive counseling to the primary caregiver in order to stabilize the child in their current placement.

Thoroughly discuss and explain the adoption process with adoptive applicants and guide them through all adoption paperwork including the adoption subsidy process/other benefits, and all paperwork needed for adoption finalization.

Provide post-adoption planning, informing families of local resources that available to them in the future.





Requirements

Education and Training Requirements:

  •  Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited university or college and one-year related post bachelor's degree experience, or a bachelor's degree from an accredited university in human services and two years post bachelor's degree experience. 
  • Must obtain Florida Child Welfare Certification within 12 months from date of successful completion of Pre-Service Post Test. Candidates must successfully complete the State Certified training and exam; a structured period of observation in and out of the office, including home and field visits. Candidate will be observed by Quality Assurance Specialist, Direct Supervisor, and Lead Agency Job Coach during the certification process. Must also complete the prescribed re-certification requirements every two years, as well as annual trainings mandated by the agency.
  • Complete a minimum of 40 hours of in-service training each full year of employment. The in-service training must include but not be limited to, indicators of child abuse; neglect and abandonment; substance abuse; community resources; independent living; and other topics related to child welfare.
  • Complete agency web-based courses business as part of agency orientation. 


Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: This position requires the following credentials

  • Preferred Child Welfare experience and/or Child Welfare Case Manager Certification.

A comprehensive benefits program including: 

  • 5 weeks of PTO accruals available during the first year of employment
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Professional    development
  • Ongoing   coaching and feedback
  • Employee   Assistance Program ("EAP")

Health Benefits with shared premium costs, including: 

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term   disability
  • 401(k)  retirement

Pay range-$50,000- $55,000


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