Entry Level First Responder Jobs
New grad first responder jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or hands-on training can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, with employers like Acadian Ambulance Service, Carle Health, and RHA Health Services hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Entry Level First Responder jobs
- Master's Degree - Social Work
- Proof of Auto Insurance.
- Driver's License - Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR),
- 1 year of related experience preferred
Ability to work with all different age groups. Basic computer skills/ability to keyboard – completing documentation in the electronic and/or paper medical record. Ability to drive in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to perform de-escalation techniques. Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position. Work requires travel to respond to crisis incidents with the Peoria Police Department and/or follow-up appointments. Ability to work under time constraints. Ability to understand and deal effectively with problems and opportunities. Ability to deal with people effectively, patiently and respond professionally in all situations. Ability to maintain confidential information. Ability to interact and communicate with law enforcement, medical staff, and other community providers effectively. Communicates effectively in-person, through email; responds in a timely manner to voicemails. Uses effective means to educate others about mental illness and addiction. Serves as a resource for individuals and community providers for community resources and how to access them. Has an understanding of and complies with Illinois’ Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Code. Serves as a mandated reporter and ensures reports are filed with appropriate parties. Participates in clinical supervision as outlined by immediate supervisor, and keeps supervisor informed of clinical issues, concerns and outcomes. Demonstrates the Trillium Place Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines. Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance. Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position. Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare. Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year. Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff. Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.
Responsibilities:
- Actively listens to presenting issues, uses motivational interviewing skills and crisis intervention to ensure safety and determine appropriate course of action.
- Exercise judgment and decision making that is clinically safe, logical, and deliberate.
- Reach a resolution of crisis that is clinically appropriate and least restrictive.
- Recognize, respect, and effectively deal with values and cultural beliefs of clients, their families, and community resources and referrals.
- Works with law enforcement, emergency departments, and other emergency personnel in crisis situations.
- Provides follow up case management as assigned.
- Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and family members
- Completes and maintains client/patient documentation in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with agency protocols and communication standards
Find it here.
Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Find it all at Carle Health.
Our nearly 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We’ve grown to include eight, award-winning hospitals and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We’re developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College. Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center hold Magnet® designations, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care. We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. | For more information: human.resources@carle.com.
- Master's Degree - Social Work
- Proof of Auto Insurance.
- Driver's License - Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR),
- 1 year of related experience preferred
Ability to work with all different age groups. Basic computer skills/ability to keyboard – completing documentation in the electronic and/or paper medical record. Ability to drive in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to perform de-escalation techniques. Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position. Work requires travel to respond to crisis incidents with the Peoria Police Department and/or follow-up appointments. Ability to work under time constraints. Ability to understand and deal effectively with problems and opportunities. Ability to deal with people effectively, patiently and respond professionally in all situations. Ability to maintain confidential information. Ability to interact and communicate with law enforcement, medical staff, and other community providers effectively. Communicates effectively in-person, through email; responds in a timely manner to voicemails. Uses effective means to educate others about mental illness and addiction. Serves as a resource for individuals and community providers for community resources and how to access them. Has an understanding of and complies with Illinois’ Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Code. Serves as a mandated reporter and ensures reports are filed with appropriate parties. Participates in clinical supervision as outlined by immediate supervisor, and keeps supervisor informed of clinical issues, concerns and outcomes. Demonstrates the Trillium Place Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines. Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance. Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position. Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare. Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year. Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff. Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.
Responsibilities:
- Actively listens to presenting issues, uses motivational interviewing skills and crisis intervention to ensure safety and determine appropriate course of action.
- Exercise judgment and decision making that is clinically safe, logical, and deliberate.
- Reach a resolution of crisis that is clinically appropriate and least restrictive.
- Recognize, respect, and effectively deal with values and cultural beliefs of clients, their families, and community resources and referrals.
- Works with law enforcement, emergency departments, and other emergency personnel in crisis situations.
- Provides follow up case management as assigned.
- Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and family members
- Completes and maintains client/patient documentation in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with agency protocols and communication standards
Find it here.
Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Find it all at Carle Health.
Our nearly 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We’ve grown to include eight, award-winning hospitals and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We’re developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world’s first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College. Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center hold Magnet® designations, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care. We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. | For more information: human.resources@carle.com.
See All 8 Entry Level First Responder Jobs
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- Healthcare & Medical Services
Entry Level First Responder Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level first responder job?
Start by completing the required certifications for your target role, such as EMT-Basic, CPR, or firefighter recruit training, since most entry level postings list these as minimum requirements. Candidates who have completed ride-alongs, volunteer shifts, or a cadet program stand out at this stage. Tailor your resume to highlight any emergency response training, physical fitness standards met, and hands-on clinical or field hours.
Which companies hire entry level first responders?
Companies hiring entry level first responders right now include Acadian Ambulance Service, Carle Health, and RHA Health Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, municipal fire departments, hospital-based EMS services, private ambulance companies, and federal agencies like FEMA all actively recruit candidates who are new to the field.
Are these new grad first responder jobs?
Yes, the openings on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior first responder roles. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship hours or volunteer field time in place of professional history, and does not require prior full-time employment in the role. Look for language like 'entry level,' 'training provided,' or 'new graduates encouraged to apply' as reliable signals.
Which industries hire the most entry level first responders?
Entry Level first responder roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive the most hiring at the entry level because they operate round-the-clock emergency services, face consistent turnover in frontline positions, and maintain structured recruit and cadet programs designed specifically for candidates starting their careers.