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Adoption Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Adoption Counselor

Fairport, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

The Adoption Counselor's role is to match available pets with homes looking to expand their families, as well counseling adopters through the transition period with their new pet. The ideal candidate ...

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 ...

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

ADOPTION SPECIALIST

Jamaica, NY · On-site

$30.22/hr

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 ...

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

Showing results 21-40

Adoption information

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How much do adoption jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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.

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 an adoption professional?

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:
Infographic showing various Adoption job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,749 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Adoption Ambassador

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


LifeLine Animal Project rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position: Adoption Ambassador

Department: Placement / Adoptions

Reports To: Adoptions Supervisor

Location: 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336


Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.


The Adoption Ambassador is responsible for counseling the public about potential pets for

adoption, conducting meet and greets with clients and animals, and informing clients on the

various adoptions programs with the goal of long term adoption matches. The Adoption

Ambassador is also responsible for getting to know the animals in our care, helping with adoption

events, and having a basic understanding of veterinary knowledge about common shelter issues.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards -- Be Courageous --

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Adoption Counseling and Customer Service:

  • Guide adopters through the application process, use matchmaking criteria to connect potential adopters to their future pets to best ensure positive outcomes.
  • Answer questions from the public about pets for adoption, including the behavior of specific breeds, dog and cat behavior, future medical care, and other pertinent information.
  • Compassionately, educate adopters and the public about responsible pet ownership, including housetraining, veterinary care, and preventive health.
  • Conduct testing to assess dog behavior and interactions between dogs.
  • Conduct meet and greets with dogs, cats and other animals.
  • Take responsibility to assist during high-traffic times, staff shortages, or special events to ensure smooth front desk and adoption operations.


General Responsibilities:

  • Work with the management to implement strategies to boost adoption numbers and participate in community outreach events.
  • Support saving the lives of animals by maintaining a general understanding of all shelter operations, including animal care, adoption policies, volunteer opportunities, foster programs and any other operational processes.
  • Stay informed about current animals in the shelter, including their needs, personalities, and status.
  • Courageously, collaborate with other shelter staff to address any issues or concerns that arise.
  • Welcome visitors with a friendly and professional demeanor.
  • Respect, embrace, and celebrate diversity by always operating with a judgement-free mindset and consider our Adopters Welcome policy when greeting and working with visitors.
  • Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the placement teams.
  • Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
  • Exhibit exceptional stewardship by maintaining a clean and tidy work and visitor area.
  • Other tasks as assigned.


Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

  • Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
  • Passion for animal welfare and a strong understanding of animal care and adoption processes.
  • Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
  • Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., MS Office, email) and experience with database systems is a plus
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments to ensure efficient shelter operations.
  • Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain composed under pressure.
  • Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.
  • Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
  • Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
  • Must pass a background check.


Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; college degree or relevant coursework preferred.

18 years or older.

One or more years’ experience in animal related field or animal sheltering preferred.

Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, or a similar role is highly desirable.

Fear Free Sheltering preferred.


Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells. May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.



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