SUMMARY:
The Family Support Counselor offers emotional and psychological support to adoptive families as they navigate complex domestic and international adoption-related challenges. This position assists both parents and children throughout the pre-adoption, post-adoption, and transition phases, helping them address cultural, emotional, and behavioral adjustments associated with adoption. Responsibilities include responding to crisis situations, providing trauma-informed support, and delivering short-term interventions aimed at stabilizing families and promoting resilience during periods of difficulty.
JOB DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Deliver immediate and short-term crisis intervention services to adoptive families through phone, virtual, in-person sessions, and home visits as needed.
- Evaluate the emotional and behavioral needs of children and parents during crisis situations and develop appropriate short-term intervention plans.
- Provide adoption-related counseling and therapeutic support to families, addressing concerns such as bonding, attachment, trauma, and cultural adjustment.
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation in compliance with organizational policies, professional standards, and applicable legal requirements.
- Support families in helping children transition into their new home environment, strengthen family relationships, and build healthy attachments.
- Identify and connect families with relevant community resources and support services, including mental health and family support programs.
- Conduct follow-up outreach with families to assess ongoing needs and evaluate the effectiveness of services provided.
- Facilitate required pre-adoption training sessions, including education on attachment, trauma-informed parenting practices, and cultural integration.
- Collaborate with post-adoption specialists, caseworkers, social workers, and other professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive support for families.
- Participate in required meetings, including staff, departmental, clinical, and case staffing meetings, as well as other meetings as assigned.
- Provide consultation and clinical guidance to internal staff regarding post-adoption cases and family support needs.
- Lead or support group and individual counseling sessions for adoptive parents to encourage shared learning, problem-solving, and peer support.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, training, and continuing education to maintain knowledge of best practices in adoption and family services
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Perform other duties and special projects assigned to support organizational objectives and enhance operational efficiency.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
- Two years of experience in adoption services, child development, behavioral health, or trauma-informed care.
- Strong knowledge of the psychological and emotional dynamics of adoption, including the unique needs of children adopted domestically and internationally.
- Experience working with culturally diverse populations, with an understanding of cultural identity, inclusion, and family integration considerations.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide clear guidance, education, and supportive counseling to families.
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound professional judgment, and consistently act in the best interest of children and families.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- Professional licensure in clinical practice (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, or LPC).
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Bilingual or multilingual proficiency, particularly in languages commonly associated with countries involved in adoption services.
- Specialized training or certification in trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, or related therapeutic approaches.
- Experience working within cross-cultural settings or in international adoption programs or services.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Operate primarily in a climate-controlled office environment with a fast-paced workflow, requiring the ability to shift between tasks, manage frequent interruptions, and meet time-sensitive deadlines efficiently.
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Flexible work schedule that may include evenings or weekends to support special events, meetings, or program deadlines.
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Requires traveling to meet families, attend adoption-related events, and collaborate with adoption agencies.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:
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Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a desk and using a computer.
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Occasional lifting or carrying of office materials weighing up to approximately 15 pounds.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Gladney Center for Adoption is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these factors. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
