Metro Transit Support Team Advocate

Canopy Roots•St Paul, MN

21h•$25 - $30

About The Position

Canopy Roots is partnering with the Metropolitan Council to operate a Transit Rider Social Services (TRSS) Mobile Response Program 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 Support Team Advocate , you will provide follow-up services to riders who have been engaged by Canopy Roots' Transit Rider Social Services Mobile Response Team on buses, trains, or at transit facilities. You will work directly with individuals who need more sustained support, conducting short-term case management, resource navigation, and referrals to behavioral health, housing, and social services. You will bridge the gap between immediate on-transit interventions and long-term care, ensuring that riders not only receive referrals but are actively supported in accessing services. Expectations for this role include setting a consistent example of Canopy Roots' values in action: cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed practice, and a commitment to equity. This role reports directly to the Program Manager.

Requirements

Associate's degree in social work, psychology, or related field and at least 1 year of case management experience with vulnerable populations OR 3 years of direct experience providing case management or outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health needs, or substance use disorders.
Must meet Minnesota state requirements for Behavioral Health Practitioners under MN Statutes section 245I.04, subdivision 4
Demonstrated experience working with BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities.
Knowledge of Twin Cities behavioral health, housing, and social service systems.
Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
Valid driver's license with clean driving record, and ability to operate a company van to transport clients and conduct community outreach.
Ability to travel across the Twin Cities metro and ride transit as part of service delivery.
Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; occasional lifting or transport of supplies up to 50 lbs.
Capacity to respond flexibly in community-based environments, including variable weather and transit conditions.
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

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Peer Support Specialist, Substance Use Counselor, or related credential.
Bilingual or multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo).
Prior experience in mobile outreach or community-based case management.

Responsibilities

Lead follow-up engagement and provide short-term case management services to riders referred by the Responder Team, addressing needs such as housing, behavioral health, substance use, benefits, and social supports.
Use trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches to build trust, stabilize situations, and connect riders to both immediate supports and long-term care.
Accompany riders to appointments, shelter intakes, or treatment programs as needed, providing transportation and advocacy to reduce barriers to access.
Collaborate with county social services, coordinated entry systems, shelters, hospitals, culturally specific providers, and behavioral health partners to coordinate care.
Document all outreach activities, service plans, and referrals in compliance with HIPAA, organizational standards, and Council reporting requirements.
Participate in weekly clinical supervision meetings, case conferences, and supervision sessions to review service delivery, address challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Support the Responder Team in the field when needed, including responding to lower-priority incidents or providing logistical support.
Educate riders and community stakeholders about available resources, rights, and pathways to stability.