Metro Transit Support Team Advocate

Metro Transit Support Team Advocate

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 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.

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

As a Support Team Advocate, you will provide follow-up services to riders who have been engaged by Canopy Roots' Transit Rider Social Services Mobile 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.

• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Location: Twin Cities Metro Area (primarily community- and field-based in St. Paul on Metro Transit buses, light rail, and facilities)
• Hiring Salary Range: $25-$30 per hour. Starting salary will depend on your skills and demonstrated readiness for the role.
• Hours/Week: Part-time, 20 hours per week; Tuesday-Friday, 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM, with flexibility for alternate daytime or weekend follow-up as needed.
• Job Type: Non-Exempt, Employee of Canopy Roots (not subcontracted)

• Lead follow-up engagement and provide short-term case management services to riders 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 supports 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.

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.

• 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.

• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist, Substance Use Counselor, or related credential.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo).
• Prior experience in mobile outreach or community-based case management.

• Ability to travel across the Twin Cities metro and ride transit as part of service delivery.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; occasional lifting or transport of supplies up to 50 lbs.
• Capacity to respond flexibly in community-based environments, including variable weather and transit conditions.
• 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

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. Crisis 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.

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:

• 401k retirement plan with company match vested after one year of employment
• 7 days of wellness leave each year (Prorated based on hire date)
• 9 days of PTO each year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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 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 https://canopyrootsmn.applicantpro.com/jobs/. 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 careers@canopyroots.com. 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.