Resource Specialist
About this role
Job DetailsJob Location: Annex -310 - Portland , OR 97212Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $23.08 - $25.00 HourlyJob Shift: DayThe Housing Resource Specialist is a full-time position responsible for developing, managing, and improving the resource systems that support participant progression across SEI's Housing Programs.
Working alongside Housing Coordinators, Navigators, Supervisors, and Program Leadership, this role serves as the bridge between participant needs and community resources. Rather than providing direct case management, the Housing Resource Specialist works behind the scenes to build partnerships, strengthen referral pathways, coordinate resource access, and develop systems that help participants achieve the goals identified through the SEI housing model.
The Housing Resource Specialist is responsible for managing the lifecycle of resource connections—from identifying participant needs and developing community partnerships to tracking outcomes and improving the effectiveness of resource referrals over time. This position helps ensure that coordinators can focus on participant engagement and case management while resource development, relationship management, and resource coordination are strategically supported.
This role requires strong relationship-building skills, systems thinking, project management, data tracking, and continuous improvement practices. The ideal candidate enjoys creating structure from complexity, building partnerships, solving operational challenges, and developing systems that improve participant outcomes across multiple programs.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Resource Strategy & Systems Development
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve systems that connect participants to resources that support progression.
- Identify patterns, gaps, and recurring participant needs and develop resource strategies that address them at scale.
- Design and maintain resource workflows, referral processes, tracking tools, and partnership systems that improve team effectiveness.
- Utilize data and participant outcomes to evaluate resource effectiveness and continuously improve resource pathways.
Resource Coordination & Partnership Management
- Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with community organizations, landlords, workforce partners, educational institutions, healthcare providers, childcare providers, benefit programs, and other community resources.
- Serve as the primary coordinator for resource partnerships and referral relationships that support participant progression.
- Monitor referral outcomes and partnership effectiveness, ensuring resources remain responsive to participant needs.
- Develop new partnerships based on emerging participant barriers and program trends.
Participant Plan Support
- Collaborate with Housing Coordinators to identify resource needs emerging from participant plans and Bridge assessments.
- Coordinate resource access for participants and support warm handoffs to community partners when appropriate.
- Track resource utilization and participant outcomes to determine whether referrals and supports are producing intended results.
- Support participant re-engagement efforts by identifying strategic resources that encourage renewed participation and progression.
Program Operations & Continuous Improvement
- Develop tools, guides, resource maps, and operational supports that strengthen housing program delivery.
- Analyze trends in participant barriers, service requests, and resource utilization to inform program strategy.
- Support leadership in identifying opportunities to improve participant outcomes, resource allocation, and community partnerships.
- Participate in special projects, pilot initiatives, and program improvement efforts as assigned.
Community Engagement
- Represent SEI Housing Programs in community partnerships, provider networks, coalitions, and outreach activities.
- Promote awareness of housing services and strengthen collaboration across the housing and social service system.
- Serve as a connector between SEI, community partners, and participants to improve access to opportunities and supports.
Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing services, community outreach, or resource coordination.
Strong knowledge of local housing systems, community resources, and referral processes.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a variety of partners and community members.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Comfort with public speaking and community engagement.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and data entry systems; experience with HMIS or similar databases preferred.
Must hold a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and be insurable under SEI’s auto insurance policy.
Note: This job description may change as programming evolves. SEI management reserves the right to amend this description at any time. Updated 6/15/2026
Company at a glance
Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) was established in 1981, by Tony Hopson, Sr., a lifelong North Portland resident and community leader. It began as a one-week summer basketball camp aimed at providing a positive alternative for African American teens living in an area of Portland that was leaving them behind.
By 1989, SEI had grown into a year-round program providing academic support and comprehensive wraparound services for African American students and their families. In 1997, SEI opened the Center for Self Enhancement, which continues to serve as a safe haven for thousands of children and is the hub of SEI’s work. SEI has remained a pillar in the North Portland community and continues to expand its programs to provide youth and families with a continuum of services.
Today, SEI is a comprehensive, one-stop resource for youth and families, primarily African Americans and others living in poverty or seeking culturally responsive services. It is also one of the city’s leading multi-service organizations, providing thousands of youth, families, and adults with a wide array of education and social services on an annual basis. SEI’s strength is in its ability to meet the complex needs of the children and families it serves, including helping people to overcome cultural, educational and economic barriers.
SEI is committed to helping youth and families realize their full potential. SEI believes that every child has a gift and that it is our shared responsibility to help every child find that gift. By expanding learning opportunities and teaching every child that “Life Has Options,” SEI is seeing amazing results proving that SEI is the solution.
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