ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Psychological First Aid Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPsychological First Aid JobsPsychological First Aid Jobs in California

Psychological First Aid information

See California salary details

$15

$32

$68

How much do psychological first aid jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychological first aid in California is $32.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is psychological first aid?

A Psychological First Aid (PFA) job involves providing immediate emotional and psychological support to individuals in crisis or distress. Professionals in this role help people cope with trauma, natural disasters, emergencies, or other stressful events by offering practical support, active listening, and coping strategies. PFA providers are often first responders, mental health professionals, or trained volunteers who assist in stabilizing individuals and connecting them with further resources. The goal is to reduce initial distress and promote long-term resilience. This role is vital in disaster response, healthcare, and community support settings.

What are typical challenges faced in psychological first aid?

Professionals in Psychological First Aid often encounter individuals experiencing high levels of stress or emotional distress, so managing emotional boundaries and maintaining resilience are key challenges. The work environment is frequently fast-paced and may involve responding on-site to emergencies, natural disasters, or community crises, often as part of an interdisciplinary team. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as needs can change rapidly based on the situation. Despite these challenges, the role is deeply rewarding, as it directly helps people regain a sense of safety and stability during difficult times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in psychological first aid?

To thrive in a Psychological First Aid role, you need a solid background in psychology or counseling, foundational training in crisis intervention, and an understanding of trauma-informed care. Certification in Psychological First Aid (PFA) or relevant crisis response programs and familiarity with documentation and assessment tools are often required. Strong empathy, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills. These competencies are essential for providing effective, immediate support during crises and helping individuals cope with traumatic situations.

Can anyone perform psychological first aid?

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a supportive intervention that can be performed by trained individuals, such as mental health professionals, emergency responders, or volunteers with appropriate training. While basic awareness can help anyone provide initial support, effective and safe PFA typically requires specific training to ensure proper assistance and avoid potential harm.

How to become a psychological first aid?

To become a psychological first aid provider, individuals typically complete specialized training programs that cover crisis intervention, active listening, and emotional support skills. Certification from recognized organizations and experience in mental health or emergency response can enhance qualifications for this role.

Is psychological first aid worth it?

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a valuable skill for mental health professionals and responders, helping individuals cope with trauma and stress. It is often included in training programs and can enhance a responder's ability to provide immediate emotional support in crisis situations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychological First Aid jobs in California?

The most popular types of Psychological First Aid jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Psychological First Aid jobs in California?

For Psychological First Aid jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Psychological First Aid jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Psychological First Aid jobs in California are:

Psychological First Aid jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychological First Aid job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,810 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Volunteer Crisis Response Team

Maple Counseling Center

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago

Job description

Program Summary
The Crisis Response Team (CRT) is a community-based volunteer program operated by The Maple Counseling Center in partnership with the Beverly Hills Fire Department. CRT volunteers provide trauma-informed emotional support to community members following critical incidents such as sudden losses, fires, severe car crashes, or other distressing events.
CRT volunteers are trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and respond after an incident to offer grounding, compassionate presence, normalization of stress reactions, and connection to appropriate resources. Volunteers do not provide psychotherapy, clinical treatment, or emergency services.
This role is well-suited for individuals who are empathetic, steady under pressure, and interested in supporting community members during moments of acute stress, while working within a clearly defined scope and team-based response model. Ongoing training, support, and clinical oversight are provided.
Requirements
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must reside in the Greater Los Angeles area
  • Must have reliable transportation and the ability to respond in-person within Beverly Hills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to program scope and ethical guidelines
  • Ability to remain calm, grounded, and emotionally present in high-stress situations
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and reliably with fellow team members and program leadership
  • Ability to respond in varied environments (e.g., standing for periods of time, outdoor settings, emotionally intense situations, etc.)
  • Ability to recognize personal limits and engage in supervision, support, and self-care as needed
  • Willingness to complete required onboarding training, background checks, and documentation as needed
  • Ability to commit to a minimum 6-month volunteer term
Hours/Meeting Schedule
  • One-time, in-person onboarding training (8 hours) focused on Psychological First Aid
  • Monthly, in-person refresher meetings (2 hours) for ongoing training, support, and case discussion
  • On-call, in-person response to community crises within the City of Beverly Hills (responses may last several hours per incident and are scheduled based on availability)

Apply