Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Metro Transit Mobile Responder (Part-Time)

at Canopy Roots

Canopy Roots is partnering with the Metropolitan Council to operate a Metro Transit Community Response Team (CRT) to support riders across Metro Transit's light rail and bus systems. This initiative deploys unarmed, trauma-informed teams to engage riders experiencing behavioral health crises, homelessness, or unmet social service needs. The program's goals include improving safety and rider experience on transit, providing compassionate de-escalation and stabilization, and ensuring riders are connected to the resources they need through intensive referrals and behavioral health support.

Canopy Roots is an innovative mental health organization based in Minnesota that offers culturally affirming crisis response services.

As a Mobile Responder, you will serve on the front lines of the Metro Transit Community Response Team (CRT), responding on buses, light rail trains, and transit facilities to provide immediate, in-the-moment care to riders. You will respond to dispatched service requests, engage individuals in need, de-escalate crises, and connect riders to basic resources. When follow-up is appropriate, you will initiate warm referrals to Canopy Roots' Support Team Advocates, who can provide navigation and intensive service linkage.

This role requires a consistent, compassionate presence on Metro Transit vehicles and at transit hubs, with a focus on relationship-building, trust, and cultural responsiveness. CRT Responders are supported by the program manager and are expected to uphold Canopy Roots' values of trauma-informed practice, equity, and safety.

• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Location: Twin Cities Metro Area (primarily community- and field-based in Saint Paul on Metro Transit buses, light rail, and facilities)
• Hiring Salary Range: $26.85 - $31.65 per hour. Starting salary will depend on your skills and demonstrated readiness for the role.
• Hours/Day: Part-time, 16 hours per week; Saturday and Sunday, 6 PM- 2 AM 
• Job Type: Non-Exempt, Employee of Canopy Roots (not subcontractor)

• Provide  on-site, in-the-moment support to riders on buses, trains, and transit facilities, using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques
• Respond to dispatched calls from Metro Transit's Transit Control Center, ensuring timely engagement and effective service delivery
• Engage riders with compassion, assess needs, and distribute basic supplies (e.g., water, snacks, hygiene kits) as an entry point to deeper conversation and trust-building
• Conduct needs assessments and make warm referrals to Canopy Roots' Support Team Advocates or external partners for housing, shelter, behavioral health, or substance use services
• When necessary, accompany riders to shelters, clinics, or intake appointments to reduce barriers to access
• Document all outreach interactions, referrals, and interventions in accordance with Canopy and Council reporting standards, and organizational policy
• Participate in weekly clinical supervision meetings, case debriefs, and ongoing training sessions to build skills and ensure fidelity to program protocols
• Collaborate with supervisors, clinicians, and support staff to continuously improve service delivery and outcomes
• Educate riders and community stakeholders about available resources and the role of Canopy Roots in supporting safe and supportive transit environments

While we have identified specific requirements for this role, we acknowledge that not all candidates may possess every requirement listed. We encourage all applicants who believe they possess the necessary skills and experience to perform the role satisfactorily to apply, regardless of whether they meet each requirement to the fullest extent.

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, public health, or related field and at least one year of experience working with vulnerable populations;  OR Associate's degree and two years of relevant experience;  OR certification as a Peer Support Specialist, Psychiatric Technician, or equivalent, with at least one year of experience.
• Responders must meet Minnesota state requirements for mental health professionals under MN Statute section 245I.04, Subd. 2 or behavioral health practitioners under MN Statutes section 245I.04, subdivision 4
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with people experiencing homelessness, behavioral health crises, and/or substance use.
• Training or lived experience in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and crisis de-escalation.

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