Family Support Counselor

GLADNEY CENTER FOR ADOPTION•Fort Worth, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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.

Nice To Haves

Professional licensure in clinical practice (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, or LPC).
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.

Responsibilities

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.
Perform other duties and special projects assigned to support organizational objectives and enhance operational efficiency.