Metro Transit PART-TIME Mobile Response Team

Metro Transit Mobile Responder (Part-Time)
at Canopy Roots

Canopy Roots partners with the Metropolitan Council to operate a Transit Rider Social Services (TRSS) Mobile Response Program on Metro Transit's light rail and bus systems. Unarmed, trauma‑informed teams engage riders experiencing behavioral health crises, homelessness, or unmet social service needs. The program improves safety and rider experience by providing compassionate de‑escalation, stabilization, and intensive referrals to behavioral health and other community resources.

As a Mobile Responder, you will canvass buses, light rail trains, and transit facilities to provide immediate, in‑the‑moment care to riders. You will respond to dispatched calls, de‑escalate crises, and connect riders to basic resources such as water, snacks, and hygiene kits. When appropriate, you will initiate warm referrals to Canopy Roots' Support Team Advocates or external partners for housing, shelter, and behavioral health services.

• Start Date:
  
  As soon as possible
• Location:
  
  Twin Cities Metro Area (primarily field‑based in Saint Paul on Metro Transit buses, light rail, and facilities)
• Hiring Salary Range: $26.85 – $31.65 per hour (starting salary dependent on skills and readiness)
• 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
• Accompany riders to shelters, clinics, or intake appointments when necessary 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

• 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
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in fast‑paced, high‑visibility public settings
• Comfortable working on buses, trains, and at busy transit facilities
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record, and ability to operate a company van to transport clients and conduct community outreach

• Bilingual or multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo)
• Experience working in mobile crisis, street outreach, or transportation‑based service delivery

• Ability to ride buses and trains for extended periods, moving between vehicles and transit facilities during shifts
• Ability to stand or walk for…