Metro Transit Mobile Responder (Part-Time)

at Canopy Roots

About the MetroTransit Community Response Team

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.

About the Role

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.

Job Details

• 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)

Essential Job Functions

• 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

Requirements

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.
• 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 clean driving record, and ability to operate a company van to transport clients and conduct community outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Physical Requirements

• Ability to ride buses and trains for extended periods, moving between vehicles and transit facilities during shifts.
• Ability to stand or walk for long periods, occasionally lift up to 50 lbs, and respond quickly to urgent or unpredictable situations.
• Comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions in outdoor and transit-based environments.
• Stand for at least 30 minutes at a time
• Walk for at least 15 minutes at a time
• Run for at least 10 seconds
• Climb stairs independently
• Reach forward and overhead
• Squat or kneel
• Twist and bend from the trunk
• Use a keyboard
• Engage in repetitive motion

About Canopy Roots

Canopy Roots is an innovative mental health organization offering culturally affirming, unarmed response services to people in crisis via 911. We promote safety for people in crisis by providing emotional de-escalation strategies, crisis intervention support, and connection to appropriate resources. Responders are members of the communities they serve, reflecting the wide range of cultural and racial identities and experiences of the people who need our services the most. Canopy Roots is based in Minneapolis, MN.

Benefits

We care deeply about our employees and know holistic support is essential for our staff to carry out their work. Our generous employment package includes:

• 401k retirement plan with company match vested after one year of employment
• 7 days of wellness leave each year (Prorated based on hire date)
• 9 days of PTO each year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Workplace Culture

Canopy Roots is a values-based, inclusive workplace that strives to create a space where our employees' unique talents, learning styles and lived experiences are valued. Creating an engaging work environment is an essential part of our culture. We uphold this commitment through staff surveys, professional development, and reflection and processing space in weekly staff meetings.

Our Hiring Process

Our People Operations team is committed to a person-first-centered approach to our hiring process. Candidates can view currently open positions and apply online via . For all positions, our hiring process includes a virtual screening interview, an in-person panel interview, and reference checks and background checks for final candidates. Offers are contingent on a BCA and FBI background check that includes fingerprinting and 4-panel drug screening.

Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the People Operations team at [email protected]. At this time, we are unable to provide company sponsored visas and are only considering candidates who are eligible to work in the United States.

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position. Rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Employees may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this job description.