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First Responder Jobs (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 ...

Restoration Support to Help You Get Your Normal Back At Restoration 1, we help people get their property and life back to normal when they're dealing with water, mold, or fire damage. We understand ...

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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 ...

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First Responder information

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How much do first responder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 qualifications do I need to be a first responder?

To become a first responder, individuals typically need to complete emergency medical training such as CPR and first aid certification, and obtain relevant certifications like Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic licensure. Additionally, they must meet age, background check, and physical fitness requirements set by their state or employer.

What cities are hiring for First Responder jobs?

Cities with the most First Responder job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of First Responder jobs?

The most popular types of First Responder jobs are:

What states have the most First Responder jobs?

States with the most job openings for First Responder jobs include:

What job categories do people searching First Responder jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for First Responder jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to First Responder jobs?

For First Responder jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various First Responder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,000 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Licensed Counselor First Responder Wellness

Valor Counseling Center PLLC

Cary, NC • Hybrid

$45 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 27 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