Metro Transit Mobile Responder, Float

canopyrootsmn; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 35,817 - 44,083; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Optional Voluntary Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Canopy Roots is partnering with the Metropolitan Council to operate a Transit Rider Social Services Mobile Response (TRSS) team. Responders provide on-site, trauma-informed support to riders across Metro Transit's buses, trains, and facilities in the Twin Cities.

The role emphasizes de-escalation, safety, and connecting people to housing, health, and social services. Shifts are evenings (6 PM–2 AM) with supervision, training, and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus experience with vulnerable populations.
• Strong communication and collaboration in fast-paced public settings.
• Training in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and crisis de-escalation.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site trauma-informed de-escalation support to riders on transit systems.
• Respond to dispatches from Transit Control Center and engage riders promptly.
• Distribute basic supplies and make warm referrals to support services.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Bilingual or multilingual (preferred)

Ability to work in fast-paced public

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, public health, or related field

Associate's degree + 2 years relevant experience

Peer Support Specialist / Psychiatric Technician certification

Job description

Metro Transit Mobile Responder, Float

at Canopy Roots

About the MetroTransit Rider Social Services Mobile Response Program

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. This role is called upon to cover shifts as needed.

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)
• Hourly pay range: $26.85 - $31.65 per hour. Starting salary will depend on your skills and demonstrated readiness for the role.
• Hours/Day: Responder shifts are 6 PM- 2 AM; This role is called upon to cover shifts as needed.
• Must work at least two shifts or shadow two shifts with a responder team each calendar month.
• Must attend at least one group supervision and one training session of their choice each calendar month.
• Job Type: Variable, Non-Exempt, Hourly

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.

Attendance Requirements

• Must work at least two shifts or shadow two shifts with a responder team each calendar month.
• Must attend at least one group supervision and one training session of their choice each calendar month.
• May be asked to attend special training sessions or review new policy rollouts.
• May work on any team, and across any shift (Monday-Sunday)

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

Benefits

• Optional Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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.

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.