Metro Transit PART-TIME Mobile Response Team
About The Position
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. 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual or multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo).
- Experience working in mobile crisis, street outreach, or transportation-based service delivery.
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- 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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
