For many, working at an adoption agency is a dream job. It provides the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many families and connect children to the families and homes they need. Adoption agencies often have incredible resources and programs to ensure the safety and success of every individual involved in the adoption process. As a professional in the adoption field, you can take pride in the knowledge that your hard work is making a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Adoption agencies offer a unique opportunity to work in an environment that is both challenging and rewarding. You will get to work with adoptive families, birth families, and children of all ages and backgrounds. You’ll be responsible for helping families learn about the adoption process, providing counseling and support, and navigating the legal aspects of adoption. Working at an adoption agency can also provide the chance to meet and build relationships with individuals from all walks of life and to make a difference in the lives of many.
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred |
|---|---|
| Job Outlook (2020-2030) | 13% for all child, family and school social workers* |
| Median Salary (2022) | $45,000 for social workers working in adoption or foster care services** |
Essential skills to work at an adoption agency
A combination of soft and hard skills are needed to work at an adoption agency. Personality traits that affect how you handle yourself and interact with others are referred to as soft skills. A career in adoption requires a variety of soft skills, such as:
Hard skills that you may need include:
Careers available at an adoption agency
Each position offered by adoption agencies has a benefit that ultimately aids in the creation of families for children and adoptive parents. For those considering a career at an adoption agency, the following are a few options:
Adoption social worker
A social services professional called an adoption social worker oversees the adoption procedure for prospective adoptive parents and the child or children they wish to adopt. Social workers who specialize in adoption work with children whose biological parents are no longer legally allowed access to them They collaborate with adoption agencies and other groups to speak out for kids who require adoptive homes that will care for them until they are adults. Some social workers who specialize in adoption, many of whom are bilingual, also manage international adoption procedures.
Adoption agent
In the field of adoption and social services, an adoption agent is essential. They serve as the main point of contact for the biological parents, adoption agency, and adoptive parents. Their responsibility in this capacity is to assist individuals or families in finding a home for their newborn child and to place abandoned children in stable families. By conducting home studies and educating families on standard adoption procedures, knowledgeable and experienced adoption agents can have a significant impact on the adoption process. To ensure a seamless transition from one family to the next, they also offer counseling to the adoptive parents as well as the biological parents.
Adoption counselor
A social worker with specialized training in adoption works with biological parents and adoptive parents who are thinking about adopting a child. A primary area of focus for an adoption counselor is the psychological effects and aspects of the adoption process. They offer counseling, instruct on parenting techniques, and teach coping mechanisms for child transference. They develop solutions for potential problems that may arise during the adoption process by applying their problem-solving abilities. In the course of the adoption procedure, adoption counselors are a reliable source.
How to get a job working at an adoption agency in 8 steps
The following eight steps will help you land a position with an adoption agency:
1. Obtain a college degree
The majority of jobs in social services and at adoption agencies demand at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Degrees in social work, public health, psychology, and counseling are advantageous because employment at an adoption agency necessitates daily interaction and communication with people. Earning a masters degree can help boost your opportunities.
2. Complete an internship program
An internship program at an adoption agency offers additional instruction and hands-on social services experience. You’ll gain experience working with children and families, and experts in the field will oversee your projects so you can become accustomed to the routine duties and procedures. Additionally, it is a skill you can highlight on your resume to set yourself apart from other applicants.
3. Familiarize yourself with adoption laws
Every state has laws that govern the adoption procedure, and those in the child welfare and social services fields should be well-versed in how these laws operate. The policy office of your state or online resources can provide you with a copy of its specific laws.
4. Research jobs in adoption agencies
Adoption agencies offer a variety of jobs, and each one provides a distinctive experience. It may be helpful to take some time and research the jobs available to you, as well as the typical salaries and primary responsibilities of each, in order to determine the type of work you want to pursue. To learn more about what various jobs entail, you can also ask for informational interviews with experts in the field.
5. Get a license
Most states’ social service laws stipulate that adoption agency social workers must hold a license. Obtaining your license may lead to more consistent employment opportunities because state social service departments encourage adoptive families to prioritize and collaborate with licensed adoption agencies.
6. Consider additional certifications
Voluntary social service certification programs offer in-depth and interesting classes designed to give you more knowledge and skills. Depending on your interests and area of specialization, there are numerous online adoption agency certification programs that you can complete. You become more employable and have a better chance of landing a job by earning certifications.
7. Create a resume
An important resource in your job search is your resume. Make sure your resume accurately and succinctly summarizes your qualifications for employment with an adoption agency, including your training and education. A well-written resume will help you secure an interview.
8. Apply for an entry-level position
You can develop the crucial foundational skills you need for social service work at entry-level jobs. These jobs serve as a springboard for your career and give you the chance to network, learn, and gain experience that will advance your career.
How do I work with an adoption agency? | Domestic Adoption Answers
FAQ
What is the role of a social worker in adoption?
Despite the fact that they can be helpful, adoption consultants are unable to provide the full range of adoption-related services that an agency can. Their main objective is to educate and support prospective adoptive parents. Basically, they are there to guide potential adoptive families through challenging choices.
What do you call someone who works at an adoption agency?
An adoption social worker is in charge of facilitating the adoption procedure for both the adoptive family and the adopted child. These trained social workers assist children whose biological parents are not financially supporting them and from whom they are legally estranged.
How do I become an international adoption social worker?
Adoption counselor’s main responsibilities include guiding prospective adoptive parents, foster parents, and adopted children through the adoption process. An adoption counselor is a counseling professional.
