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First Responder Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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First Responder information

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How much do first responder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder in Florida is $14.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $14.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do First Responders Do?

A first responder is an umbrella term for the first medically trained person to arrive on the scene of a medical emergency, accident, or other issue of public safety, such as an earthquake. This title usually includes police officers, firefighters, or EMTs. As a first responder, your primary responsibilities are to quickly and competently assess a situation and determine what other EMTs, police officers, or firefighters need to know when they arrive. You provide initial rescue or first aid care, but unless you are an EMT, you save more advanced medical care for when the ambulance arrives. In other words, a firefighter may provide CPR to an accident victim, but they stop when the more qualified first responder can take over.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Responder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Responder, you need expertise in emergency medical care, crisis assessment, and lifesaving procedures, often backed by EMT or paramedic certification. Familiarity with emergency communication systems, rescue equipment, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong decision-making, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork set outstanding First Responders apart. These abilities are crucial for delivering rapid, coordinated, and effective responses during emergencies, directly impacting safety and survival outcomes.

What is the difference between First Responder vs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

AspectFirst ResponderEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Required CertificationsBasic First Aid, CPR, and often Emergency Response trainingState-specific EMT certification, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentEmergency scenes, accident sites, public safety eventsAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenes
Employer & Industry UsagePublic safety agencies, fire departments, policeAmbulance services, hospitals, EMS agencies

First Responders are trained to provide initial emergency care and scene safety, often before EMTs arrive. EMTs have more advanced medical training and can provide a wider range of pre-hospital care. Both roles are vital in emergency response, but EMTs typically have more specialized medical skills and certifications.

What are first responders?

First responders are professionals who are among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as accidents, natural disasters, or medical crises. This group typically includes police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics. Their primary role is to assess the situation, provide immediate care or intervention, and ensure the safety of those involved until further help arrives or the situation is under control. First responders are highly trained to handle high-pressure situations and often play a crucial role in saving lives and minimizing harm.

What are some common challenges First Responders face during multi-agency emergency situations?

First Responders often encounter challenges related to communication and coordination when working alongside multiple agencies, such as police, fire, and EMS teams. Differences in protocols, equipment, and terminology can lead to confusion or delays in response. To address these challenges, First Responders participate in joint training exercises and use standardized communication systems to ensure everyone is aligned during emergencies. Adaptability, teamwork, and a clear understanding of roles are essential skills for navigating these complex scenarios effectively.
What are the most commonly searched types of First Responder jobs in Florida? The most popular types of First Responder jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for First Responder jobs? Cities in Florida with the most First Responder job openings:
What are popular job titles related to First Responder jobs in FL? For First Responder jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various First Responder job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,891 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Clinical Therapist - First Responder

The Florida House

Deerfield Beach, FL โ€ข On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

FHEHealth (โ€œFHEโ€) is a dually accredited (CARF and JOINT) licensed behavioral healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for First Responders suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We specialize in addictive disorders, and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. We employ a team of highly qualified, compassionate individuals who share in the desire to serve this vulnerable population. We provide innovative treatment by treating not just the mind and the behaviors, but by treating the BRAIN itself through our cutting-edge neuro-rehabilitative services.

FHE Health boasts a โ€œBest in Classโ€ state-of-the-art inpatient treatment facilities, outpatient and sober living campusโ€™ that promotes a strong sense of community while also providing patients with ongoing access to our multi-disciplinary team and services. We have been voted as โ€œTop Work Placesโ€ eight years in a row.

What Are We Looking for?

We are looking for someone who has experience and demonstrated knowledge of addressing the special needs of the First Responder population which includes; Firefighters, Police Officers, EMTโ€™s, Corrections Officers, Military (all branches to include Army, Navy, Air Force, Special OPโ€™s, Coast Guard, etc.), to address presenting problems related to a mental health diagnosis, addictive behaviors, long-term traumatic exposure, cultural barriers and how it relates to various addictions manifesting in these communities.

Or is a former first responder with lived experience. Certification and or licensure is a plus. Works under supervision from the program director and coordinates care as part of the dedicated Shatterproof program with other clinical, medical, support staff, and neuro rehabilitative services.

Benefits of the Clinical Therapist - FHE Health First Responderโ€™s Program

As a full time, Clinical Therapist โ€“ First Responderโ€™s Program you will be offered the following benefit options:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Supplemental Life
  • Disability
  • 401k
  • Personal PTO
  • Vacation Time
  • Employee Assistance Program

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Establishes rapport, systematically gathers data, determines the readiness of the individual for treatment and change, and apply accepted criteria for diagnosis of substance use disorders.
  • Screens for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Formulates mutually agreed-upon, measurable treatment goals and objections
  • Provides screenings and assessments of new patients for both partial hospitalization and outpatient services
  • Devises, completes and documents on a regular basis on the initial treatment plan, master treatment plan, integrated diagnostic summary and treatment plan reviews/updates.
  • Shares pertinent information with clinical and medical team as obtained from patient's family, or others as indicated throughout program.
  • Provides education to patient/family on community resources
  • Facilitates a minimum five (5) clinical group therapy sessions weekly
  • Documents in the medical record on an ongoing basis, the assessment of the patient's progress/regress and interventions, and case management referrals provided.
  • Recognizes, responds to and assists in psychiatric crisis situations and provides the interventions necessary.
  • Communicates any clinical concerns to the Director of Clinical Services

Required qualifications:

  • Graduate from an accredited college or university Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or health related field, Masterโ€™s Degree preferred. LMHC, LCSW, licensed Psychologist in Florida
  • Certifications of advanced training in areas of practice or continued education as it related to First Responder Services
  • Current CPR Certification
  • Proof of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training or must be obtained within 6 months of hire
  • Previous work with substance abuse/mental health disorders
  • Experience in working with First Responders in a clinical setting.