Metro Transit Mobile Responder, Float

Canopy Roots; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 36,988 - 43,601; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Optional voluntary benefits

Job summary

Canopy Roots in Saint Paul is looking for a Transit Responder to provide trauma-informed support to transit riders. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience with vulnerable populations. This role requires effective communication and crisis de-escalation skills, working varied shifts in public transportation settings. The selected candidate will support riders in need, making connections to resources and ensuring their safety during transport.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with vulnerable populations.
• Training or lived experience in trauma-informed care.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to riders using trauma-informed techniques.
• Respond to dispatched calls and engage riders promptly.
• Document all interactions and referrals per reporting standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis de-escalation

Engagement with vulnerable populations

Bilingual skills (preferred)

Education

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

Associate’s degree with two years of relevant experience or certification (e.g., Peer Support Specialist)

Job description

Overview

Canopy Roots is partnering with the Metropolitan Council to operate a Transit Rider Social Services (TRSS) Mobile Response Program across Metro Transit's light rail and bus systems. The program deploys unarmed, trauma‑informed teams to engage riders experiencing behavioral health crises, homelessness, or unmet social service needs. The aim is to improve safety, provide compassionate de‑escalation and stabilization, and connect riders to resources through intensive referrals and behavioral health support.

Job Details

• Start date: As soon as possible
• Location: Twin Cities Metro Area (community‑and field‑based in Saint Paul on Metro Transit buses, light rail, and facilities)
• Hourly pay range: $26.85–$31.65 per hour (dependent on experience)
• Shift times: 6 PM‑2 AM; responder shifts are variable and may require covering shifts as needed.
• 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 Control Center and engage riders promptly.
• Distribute basic supplies (e.g., water, snacks, hygiene kits) and initiate trust‑building conversations.
• 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.
• Accompany riders to shelters, clinics, or intake appointments as needed.
• Document all interactions, referrals, and interventions per reporting standards.
• Participate in weekly clinical supervision, case debriefs, and ongoing training.
• Collaborate with supervisors, clinicians, and support staff to improve service delivery.
• Educate riders and community stakeholders about available resources and Canopy Roots’s role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, or related field and at least one year of experience 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.
• 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, Subd. 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; ability to operate a company van to transport clients and conduct outreach.

Attendance Requirements

• Work at least two shifts or shadow two shifts with a responder team each calendar month.
• Attend at least one group supervision and one training session of choice each 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 in mobile crisis, street outreach, or transportation‑based service delivery.

Physical Requirements

• Ride buses and trains for extended periods, move between vehicles and facilities.
• Stand or walk for long periods; lift up to 50 lbs occasionally; respond quickly to urgent situations.
• Work comfortably in varied weather conditions in outdoor and transit environments.
• Stand >30 min, walk >15 min, run >10 s, climb stairs independently, reach forward/overhead, squat/kneel, twist/bend from trunk, use keyboard, engage in repetitive motions.

Benefits

• Optional voluntary benefits, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

EEO Statement

Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation, please contact the People Operations team at [e-mail]. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; company‑sponsored visas are not available.