Metro Transit Support Team Advocate- Full Time

Canopy Roots • Saint Paul, MN

5d • $25 - $30 • Hybrid

About The Position

Canopy Roots is partnering with the Metropolitan Council to operate a Community Response Team 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 Support Team Advocate, you will provide short-term follow-up services to riders who have been engaged by Canopy Roots' Community 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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 light case management services to recipients 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 support 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Coverage available for your spouse, domestic partner and/or eligible dependents
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, and Health Care Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost to you
• Ancillary insurance plans available for purchase
• 401k retirement plan with company match vested after one year of employment
• 7 days of wellness leave each year
• 16 days of PTO each year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree