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First Responder Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Respond to calls for service, provide first responder aid, and support community members in distress. * Prepare accurate reports and provide testimony in court. * Maintain visibility within the ...

Respond to calls for service, provide first responder aid, and support community members in distress. * Prepare accurate reports and provide testimony in court. * Maintain visibility within the ...

First responder to emergency recall and provide immediate response to active shooter and other situations such as terrorist threat, national emergencies and natural disasters. Secures installation ...

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First Responder information

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$18

How much do first responder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder in Utah is $17.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $17.50 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 is a first responder?

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 Utah? The most popular types of First Responder jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to First Responder jobs in Utah? For First Responder jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for First Responder jobs? Cities in Utah with the most First Responder job openings:
What are popular job titles related to First Responder jobs in UT? For First Responder jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various First Responder job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,414 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Mobile Crisis Worker

University of Utah Health

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 19 days ago


University Of Utah Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
Mental health first responders serving Salt Lake County residents for on-demand, in-person crisis intervention, de-escalation, suicide risk assessment, and connection to behavioral health resources. Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) Peers and Certified Crisis Workers engage with key community stakeholders such as law enforcement, fire/EMS, shelters, businesses, and private citizens. Receive dispatch referrals for in-person response from the Utah Crisis Line (988) and directly from 911 partners for immediate deployment. Operate in teams of 2 for community-based safety and required billing purposes. Act as the behavioral health first responder on scene (and often only responder on scene) with the goal of avoiding law enforcement/EMS response to behavioral health emergencies unless there is a physical safety concern present on scene. This position works is partnered with and works under the on-scene supervision of a master's level mental health clinician (Certified Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Associated Clinical Mental Health Counselor, or Clinical Mental Health Counselor).
Corporate Overview: University of Utah Health is an integrated academic healthcare system with five hospitals including a level 1 trauma center, eleven community health centers, over 1,600 providers, and a health plan serving over 200,000 members. University of Utah Health is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. In addition to our clinical delivery system, we have a School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, and College of Health providing education and training for over 1,250 providers annually. We have over 2 million patient visits annually and research grants exceeding $350 million. University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics represents our clinical operations for the larger health system.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
  • Assess environment for safety, health and wellbeing, and mental status of individual in crisis to determine appropriate crisis and/or emergency service interventions under the on-scene supervision of and in collaboration with their master's level mental health clinician partner.
  • Engages with the patient, family/friends, other first responders, and other individuals on scene to coordinate crisis intervention and collaborative emergency care.
  • Coordinates care with appropriate community partners and resources and includes law enforcement/EMS.
  • Triage and prioritize community response based on highest acuity behavioral health emergencies.
  • Offer individualized resources, support, and follow-up calls to mitigate future behavioral health crises.
  • Follows all behavior management, de-escalation strategies, and crisis intervention protocols and procedures.
  • Ensure all conduct and client interactions are trauma-informed and follows best practices.
  • Models sensitivity and competency related to individual client need and applicable cultural awareness.
  • Attends safety training which involves local law enforcement and/or University of Utah Health Safety and Security, as well as required training around situational awareness, risk assessments for both the patient and others, and appropriate response to potential on scene weapons or illegal substances.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job outlined above.
  • Strong organizational and follow through skills.
  • A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
  • Demonstrated human relations and effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and problem solve.
  • Must possess knowledge of community resources, discharge planning, and crisis de-escalation.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status.
  • Good interpersonal skills to acquire the trust of patients and respond appropriately in a crisis situation.
  • Knowledge of HIPAA and ability to adhere to the requirements.
  • Demonstrate effective de-escalation techniques and utilization of crisis intervention skills.
  • Depending on candidate's qualifying certification, per the Peer/Family Support Specialist Certification eligibility and training, may share lived experience with mental health challenges, co-occurring disorders, and/or substance use when appropriate, as applicable to the client served, and within professional boundaries to demonstrate understanding, respect, and empowerment to clients through the recovery model.

Qualifications
Required
Candidates must be eligible to apply for the State Crisis Worker Certification within a year using one of the following methods OR be granted a certification through an exemption from the State:
  • (a) Individuals licensed under Utah Department of Professional Licensing for any health or behavioral health license;
  • (b) Individuals with a minimum of bachelor's degree in a human service related field;
  • (c) Individuals certified as a Certified Peer Support Specialist for a minimum of one year;
  • (d) Individuals certified as Case Managers for a minimum of one year; or
  • (e) Individuals certified as Family Resource Facilitator for a minimum of one year.
Licenses Required
  • Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Qualifications (Preferred)
Preferred
  • Two to four years experience in field or related area.
  • Bi-lingual skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.
  • This position involves intermediate work that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects while providing patient care to those requiring psychiatric care.
  • Requires manual dexterity, balance, eyesight, and hearing.
  • Incumbents in this position may be subjected to hazardous chemicals, adverse weather conditions, communicable diseases and possible verbal and physical abuse due to people being under the influence of illicit drugs or having undiagnosed/diagnosed mental health condition(s).
  • Outreach and engagement may take place in locations not intended for human habitation.
  • This position will drive a mobile unit vehicle or other vehicle (that is provided by the department). In the off-chance department vehicles are under maintenance, staff may be asked to drive their personal vehicles and may submit mileage reimbursement for shift-related driving.

Physical Requirements
Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Walking

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