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First Responder Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Overview We are seeking a Licensed Counselor specializing in First Responder Care to join our dynamic mental health team. We desire to hire someone who will fit our company culture and that they ...

Be Seen First

Overview We are seeking a Licensed Counselor specializing in First Responder Care to join our dynamic mental health team. We desire to hire someone who will fit our company culture and that they ...

Admissions Counselor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

Additionally, admissions counselors review academic credentials of first year and transfer ... visitors, responding to email inquires, application processing, transfer credit processing and ...

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First Responder Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do first responder counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder counselor in Raleigh, NC is $24.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $28.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first responder counselor?

A First Responder Counselor provides mental health support to first responders, such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel. They help address stress, trauma, and emotional challenges that arise from high-pressure and often traumatic situations. Their role includes crisis intervention, therapy, and developing coping strategies to improve mental well-being. Many First Responder Counselors have backgrounds in psychology, social work, or counseling and specialize in trauma and PTSD treatment.

What types of situations or cases does a first responder counselor typically handle?

First Responder Counselors primarily work with police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel, helping them process acute stress, trauma exposure, and work-related mental health challenges. You may address issues such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, often delivering both individual and group counseling sessions. Counselors frequently collaborate with HR departments, department leadership, and outside healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive support network. The fast-paced nature of the role means you'll regularly respond to urgent requests while also maintaining ongoing therapeutic relationships. This rewarding role enables you to make a direct impact on the wellbeing and long-term resilience of those who serve on the front lines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first responder counselor?

To excel as a First Responder Counselor, you need a background in mental health counseling or social work, relevant licensure (such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT), and specialized training in trauma or crisis intervention. Experience with case management software, electronic health records, and crisis assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional listening skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to communicate effectively with high-stress clients are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure you can provide timely, effective support to first responders coping with occupational trauma, helping them maintain emotional wellbeing and job performance.

What are popular job titles related to First Responder Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For First Responder Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Responder Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for First Responder Counselor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for First Responder Counselor jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most First Responder Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various First Responder Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,903 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Licensed Counselor First Responder Wellness

Valor Counseling Center PLLC

Cary, NC • Hybrid

$45 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

Pay: $45.00 - $80.00 per hour

Job description:

*Please visit our website and read our mission, vision, and values before you apply!

Overview

We are seeking a Licensed Counselor specializing in First Responder Care to join our dynamic mental health team. We desire to hire someone who will fit our company culture and that they would be hungry, smart, and humble. In this vital role, you will provide expert counseling services tailored mainly to first responders, emergency personnel, and their families, addressing the unique mental health challenges they face. Your expertise will help foster resilience, promote recovery, and support overall well-being through evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care. In addition, join us in partnering with agencies regarding their wellness needs throughout the year such as opportunities to teach, do department events, and more. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve our communities with courage and dedication.

Duties

  • Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and clinical evaluations for first responders and their families, utilizing ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding standards for accurate documentation.
  • Deliver individual and possibly couples work and family sessions. Groupwork is also a plus. group employing evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. EMDR or trauma specializations a plus.
  • Implement crisis intervention strategies promptly to manage acute mental health emergencies, ensuring safety and stabilization for clients in distress.
  • Develop personalized treatment plans aligned with clinical documentation standards, incorporating treatment goals that address co-occurring disorders, PTSD, addiction issues, and developmental disabilities.
  • Facilitate telehealth therapy sessions utilizing secure platforms to extend access to care while maintaining HIPAA compliance and clinical ethical guidelines.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including social workers, medical professionals, educators, and case managers to coordinate comprehensive client care. This is minimal but it does come up at times.
  • Maintain meticulous medical records and documentation within electronic health record (EHR) systems such as EMR/EHR platforms, ensuring accuracy in medical terminology and ICD coding for billing and reporting purposes.
  • Work well individually as well as with a team of other culturally-competent counselors.
  • Have a teachable spirit.

Requirements

  • Valid licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or equivalent credential with experience in crisis management and trauma-informed care.
  • Proven expertise in psychotherapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, grief counseling, art therapy, dance/movement therapy, or applied behavior analysis (ABA).
  • Experience working first responders a plus.
  • Familiarity with telehealth platforms and delivering clinical services remotely while adhering to HIPAA regulations.
  • Excellent communication skills for client engagement, intake procedures, case management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism through crisis management techniques and behavior management strategies.

Join us in empowering first responders by providing compassionate mental health support rooted in evidence-based practice! This paid position offers a rewarding environment where your skills can truly impact lives while advancing your professional growth in behavioral health care.

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule

Education:

  • Master's (Required)

License/Certification:

  • LMHC (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cary, NC 27518