TARE Coordinator at DePelchin Children’s Center – Houston, Texas

Position: TARE Coordinator
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Manager, Client Support
Location: Houston, TX

Position Description:
The TARE Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the registration, maintenance, and promotion of children on the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) photo listing and other adoption recruitment platforms. The Coordinator plays a critical role in the Stage One Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) model by diligently supporting the recruitment of prospective adoptive families for children in the SSCC's care whose permanency goal is adoption. This position ensures compliance with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) policy regarding timely TARE registration and adoption recruitment efforts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Register Children: Ensure timely and accurate registration of all eligible children and youth on the TARE system within 30 days following the termination of parental rights, or as required by DFPS policy.
• Profile Management: Work with case workers to create compelling, accurate, and up-to-date profiles for TARE, including writing child narratives and coordinating professional photographs.
• Profile Updates: Routinely review and update TARE profiles to reflect the child's current status, needs, personality, and placement, ensuring information is current and compliant.
• Inquiry Management: Monitor and process inquiries received from prospective adoptive families via TARE and other adoption resource exchanges.
• Family Matching: Assist in the initial screening and referral process for families inquiring about specific children, forwarding qualified inquiries to the appropriate adoption caseworker for follow-up.
• Adoption Exchange Participation: Facilitate the enrollment and promotion of children on additional state and national adoption recruitment programs (e.g., Heart Gallery, national adoption exchanges).
• Caseworker Support: Serve as the subject matter expert on TARE and adoption recruitment for SSCC and network provider staff, providing guidance on submission requirements and timelines.
• DFPS/State Liaison: Maintain effective working relationships with the DFPS TARE State Office and adhere to all relevant DFPS and state regulations regarding adoption recruitment and TARE protocols.
• Data and Reporting: Track and report on TARE registration metrics, family inquiries, and successful matches to inform ongoing adoption recruitment strategies and ensure contract compliance.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct regular audits of child records to confirm that all eligible children are properly listed on TARE and other exchanges.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in social work, human services, psychology or related field.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in child welfare, adoption services, or family recruitment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the Texas foster care and adoption system highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of the Texas Community-Based Care (CBC) model and the role of a Stage One SSCC.
• In-depth knowledge of adoption recruitment principles and the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to write engaging and sensitive narratives about children and youth.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in meeting deadlines and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of caseworkers, network providers, and external partners.

Work Conditions:

• Environment: Office
• Range of Schedule: Mon – Fri, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Travel: Occasional – Local, Statewide (Must have reliable personal transportation, valid Texas Driver License and current Auto Insurance.

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.