Metro Transit Mobile Responder

at Canopy Roots

Canopy Roots is partnering with the Metropolitan Council to operate a Transit Rider Social Services (TRSS) Mobile Response Program to support riders across Metro Transits 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 programs 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.

About the Role

Canopy Roots is an innovative mental health organization based in Minnesota that offers culturally affirming crisis response services.

As a Mobile Responder you will serve on the front lines of the Metro Transit TRSS Mobile Response Program canvassing 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 longer-term 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. TRSS Mobile Responders are supported by the program manager and are expected to uphold Canopy Roots values of trauma-informed practice equity and safety.

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)
• Hiring Salary Range: $26.85 - $31.65 per hour. Starting salary will depend on your skills and demonstrated readiness for the role.
• Hours/Day: Full-time 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday 6 PM- 2 AM
• Job Type: Non-Exempt Employee of Canopy Roots (not subcontractor)

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 Transits 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.

• Bachelors degree in social work psychology public health or related field and at least one year of experience working with vulnerable populations; OR Associates 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 drivers license with clean driving record and ability to operate a company van to transport clients and conduct community outreach.

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

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.

Benefits

We care deeply about our employees and know holistic support is essential for our staff to carry out their work. Our generous employment package includes:

• Medical Dental and Vision Insurance
• Choose one of our three medical plans.
• 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)

Workplace Culture

Canopy Roots is a values-based inclusive workplace that strives to create a space where our employees unique talents learning styles and lived experiences are valued. Creating an engaging work environment is an essential part of our culture. We uphold this commitment through staff surveys professional development and reflection and processing space in weekly staff meetings.

Our Hiring Process

Our People Operations team is committed to a person-first-centered approach to our hiring process. Candidates can view currently open positions and apply online via For all positions our hiring process includes a virtual screening interview an in-person panel interview and reference checks and background checks for final candidates. Offers are contingent on a BCA and FBI background check that includes fingerprinting.

Persons of color women members of the LGBTQ community veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process please direct your inquiries to the People Operations team at At this time we are unable to provide company sponsored visas and are only considering candidates who are eligible to work in the United States.

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.