Community Assistance Program Mission Statement
The City of Phoenix Fire Department Community Assistance Program (CAP) is committed to providing the highest level of on scene crisis intervention, victim advocacy/services, and behavioral health assistance for our community. We strive to provide the best possible service to our internal and external customers. We achieve this by providing comprehensive, quality, crisis intervention and behavioral health training through a collaborative effort with public and private organizations within Maricopa County.
Mayor and City Council approved $15 million in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 to expand the Fire Department's Community Assistance Program (CAP) to add nine Behavioral Health Units and to expand the Crisis Response Units from five units to 10 units to meet the needs of Phoenix residents experiencing a mental health crisis. Additionally, Mayor and Council approved $10 million in one-time, ARPA grant-funding to expand ongoing mental health resources and services provided to Phoenix residents.
Get Involved by Applying for the Community Mental Health Wellness & Safety Task Force
The Community Mental Health Wellness & Safety Task Force is a community-led task force charged with examining the mental health wellness and safety needs of Phoenix residents, educating residents on existing programs and resources, reviewing the effectiveness of City mental health-related programs and services, and keeping an open dialogue between City leadership, staff and communities.
The Task Force membership will consist of representatives in the following areas: Licensed Behavioral Health Professional, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Representative, Treatment Facility Representative, Public Safety Representative, Alternative Response Representative, Public Health Specialist, Human Services Representative, Shelter Representative, Hospital/Healthcare Representative, Peer Support Specialist/Lived Experience, and At-Large Community Members. The task force members will serve for a three-year term.
Why Our Volunteers Are So Important!
Volunteers work beside CAP employees and respond to crisis calls as a team. Volunteers may select an 8 or 10 hour shift, 7 days a week. CAP offers day, afternoon, and overnight volunteer opportunities. Teams respond from multiple locations within Phoenix. Crisis teams are dispatched through the Fire Department Regional Dispatch. Our teams support individuals, families, and groups who have experienced a traumatic event or behavioral health crisis.
Volunteers Must Meet the Following Qualifications:
- Minimum 18 years of age with an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
- Minimum 21 years of age without an EMT certification
- Possess a valid Arizona driver's license
- Ability to successfully pass the City background check
To become a volunteer:
Submit an Application
The application must be signed before submitting, or email to: cr.staff.pfd@phoenix.gov.
Volunteers will be contacted to complete an interview process. Volunteers must complete and pass a background check. Volunteers will complete over 200 hours of classroom, field, and on-line training. The majority of training courses are held during the week day/work hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There is one night training on a Wednesday night and one all day Saturday training.
Internship
Internship opportunities are currently being offered to Arizona State University School of Social Work students. CAP offers paid internship for students who successfully apply, complete an interview process, and are selected for the position. Interns must pass the City of Phoenix Fire Department background check. Applications for internships are excepted for Casework Aide positions during specific times of the year. To determine if applications are being accepted visit www.phoenix.gov/jobs and search for Casework Aide (CAP Internship).
For additional information on CAP Volunteer or Internship please contact us at 602-261-8849.
