Adoption Stabilization Counselor

SUMMARY:

The Adoption Stabilization Counselor provides emotional and psychological support to adoptive families navigating complex challenges domestically and internationally. This role supports both adoptive parents and children through pre-adoption, post-adoption, and ongoing transition stages, helping them navigate cultural, emotional, and psychological challenges associated with adoption. This role involves responding to crises, offering trauma-informed guidance, and facilitating short-term interventions to stabilize and empower families during times of distress. This is a full-time position and will require travel all throughout the United States.

JOB DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide immediate and short-term crisis counseling for adoptive families via phone, video, in-person sessions, or traveling to help families in their homes.
• Assess the emotional and behavioral needs of children and parents during crises and develop short-term action plans.
• Provide post-adoption counseling and therapeutic services to adoptive families, addressing issues such as bonding, attachment disorders, trauma, and cultural adjustment.
• Maintain detailed, confidential records in accordance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Guide families in helping children adjust to their new environment, integrating into family life, and building secure relationships.
• Identify and share appropriate local community resources and support services for clients, including psychological support systems for the family and child.

• Participate in completing psychological evaluations for clients in need of testing services.
• Collaborate with post adoption specialists, caseworkers, social workers, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care for families and children during the adoption process.
• Attend all meetings related to the position, including but not limited to monthly staff meetings, departmental meetings, clinical staffing meetings, and impromptu meetings.
• Provide Gladney staff with clinical insight, consultation, and support regarding adoptive cases.
• Offer group or individual counseling sessions for adoptive parents to share experiences, challenges, and strategies for success.
• Participate in ongoing training courses and continuing education, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties and special projects assigned to support organizational objectives and enhance operational efficiency.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) or a related field.
• Professional licensure in clinical practice (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, or LPC).
• Three years of experience working in adoption services, child development, or trauma-informed care.
• Strong understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects of adoption and the unique needs of internationally and domestically adopted children.
• Experience working with diverse cultures and sensitivity to issues of cultural identity, race, and integration.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to provide clear guidance and support.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act in the best interest of adoptive families and children.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluency in more than one language, especially languages relevant to adoption countries.
• Training or certification in trauma-informed care or attachment-based therapy.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural context or international adoption environment.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This role may involve working in an office environment, but also requires traveling to meet families, attend adoption-related events, and collaborate with adoption agencies.

• Flexible hours may be required, including evening or weekend work to accommodate adoptive families' schedules.
• Fast-paced work environment, requiring the ability to shift between tasks, manage frequent interruptions, and meet time-sensitive deadlines efficiently.
• Regular, punctual attendance is essential for maintaining efficient service delivery.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Travel across the United States, which may involve extended periods of driving, flying, and transporting luggage or materials.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during counseling sessions, meetings, or travel.
• Walking, climbing stairs, and navigating varied environments when visiting families’ homes or community locations.
• Regular use of office equipment and handling of documents as part of daily tasks.

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.