[EENS0046]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me exactly what jobs are avaliable in the adoption field and what degree is needed to get these jobs. I am a college student interested in working in adoption but have NO IDEA where to even begin... Thanks for ANY help in answering these questions!!!

[mollyrose]

i hear ya, i am in the same way except that i already have my undergrad. i suppose it doesn't help much that i am in a fairly rural area...

[levigram]

Hi E,
Usually, a masters degree in social work is a sure way to agency employment. There are always volunteer positions within agencies while you are working toward your degree.

[Kara K]

I have a very similar question. I will be completing my BS in psychology soon, but would really like to work in an adoption agency. Thus I am looking for information about getting started. What jobs are available, what you do ect

[mollyrose]

i understand that an msw is one way to go, but i was under the impression that one does not have to have one in order to become involved in the adoption field.

i suppose, just for the discussion, we should note that there are probably very different requirements depending on what capacity one wants to be involved. for example, i am thinking it is probably more desirable to be a licsw or have an msw if one wants to be a coordinator; however, if one wants to be an escort or counselor, etc. perhaps the requirements are less....?

-m.

[Elkay]

Add me to the list!! I'm looking too! What I have found is this:

Many websites for adoption agencies will list their staff, the job they hold, AND their degree!! Some agencies only have .. maybe 5 staff..

If you wish to make a middle class living (money-wise)- you'll want your masters - in order to be promoted to director ... however - a bachelors is all that is required for administrative positions and positions in which you would interview parents and teach them simple childrearing steps etc. Don't expect a big nice house, vacay's and 2 SUV's though.. but i'm sure most of you out there aren't in it for the SUV. If you desire to work directly with the children, depending on your work, a masters might be required - for instance, counseling children = masters... but placing a child in a temporary foster home and driving them over etc. - bachelors. The only counseling I've ever heard of that doesn't require a masters degree is very regimented such as group work with at risd teens, and basic d&a stuff - however, its tough to get a position if you don't have experience. So volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. GOOD LUCK

[mommieof2cuties]

I would maybe email someone like Brandy who might be able to give you more information since she has been with these sites a long time. Best of luck to you.

God Bless,
Summer

[ksd]

Hello All, I worked in adoptions for three years with the state of texas. My degree was in communications, however they were looking for someone with a degree. Most state agencies are just looking for someone with a degree, perfereably in a related field such as; psycology, socioology, crimanal justice etc. But it's not reguired. There are so many kids that are wards of the state and wards of the county and parental rights are being terminated that have a unit that handles adoption. Also check with private agencies like spaulding for children, Lutheran Social Sercive. You might have to do a search like "private adoption agencies" Check your state's department of human services human resources site. You don't neccessarily have to have a BSW or MSW. That's what is perferred, but most of these places are desperate. I must advise you that the pay is minimal and some of these kids are severly emotionally damaged, so it can be challenging and if you have any compassion it can be very difficult. Good Luck!

[Danay08]

You should major in social work, sociolology or anything dealing in social services.

[4everyellowskz]

I've found my bachelor's degree in social work has helped me tremendously in the field of adoption. I provide case management to women making adoption plans but also work with prospective adoptive parents once they have been matched. While in college, I began focusing on a degree in psychology but talked with a friend who had a Master's in Psychology who said she really could not do anything with it. She talked with me about Social Work and within a week I was sitting with a counselor from the School of Social Work at my university. The job where I currently am fell out of the sky because I really didn't think I would be able to get right into the adoption field upon graduation. The nice thing about having a BSW is that for my MSW I can get advanced-standing status and save time and money because I already have the foundation courses. You can't do that if you have a degree in sociology or psychology.