Metro Transit PART-TIME Mobile Response Team

Canopy Roots•St Paul, MN

2d•Onsite

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.
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

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