Become an Investigator with the ICE Health Service Corps
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) plays a pivotal role in the Department of Homeland Security’s mission. For commissioned officers seeking to transition into a role that emphasizes accountability, clinical oversight, and policy implementation, the position of Investigator (O-5 Billet) represents a unique career milestone. This role is essential for maintaining the integrity and quality of medical care provided to noncitizens within detention facilities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Non-Supervisory Investigator, you will serve as a key program management officer. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Conducting Administrative Investigations: You will lead inquiries into patient morbidity/mortality, medical service complaints, and staff conduct allegations.
- Evidence & Reporting: Gathering data, conducting interviews, and authoring reports for diverse audiences, including congressional stakeholders and executive leadership.
- Policy Application: You will apply nuanced understanding of IHSC, ICE, and PHS regulations to specific cases.
- Operational Strategy: You will collaborate with regional investigators to improve unit efficiency and performance.
Requirements
This position is highly specialized. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Status: Current USPHS officer and IHSC employee.
- Licensure: Unrestricted license in a relevant clinical field (e.g., Nursing, Physician Assistant, Pharmacist, Physician).
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in your field, including 2 years in a correctional health environment.
- Clearance: Successful Tier 4 background investigation.
Requirements at a Glance
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Current Rank | GS-13, PHS LCDR or higher |
| Travel | Up to 2x per month |
| Background | Tier 4 / Critical-Sensitive |
| License | Current & Unrestricted |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range up to $150,000 per year, commensurate with federal pay schedules for PHS officers. Beyond the base salary, officers receive the comprehensive benefits package associated with the Commissioned Corps, including healthcare, retirement planning, and professional growth opportunities.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success:
- Tailor your CV: Use the official USPHS Promotion CV format to ensure your clinical and administrative experience is clearly categorized.
- Documentation: Don't forget your COERs and Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
- Clarity: Clearly state your experience with investigative principles in your cover letter.
This role is not just a job; it is a vital function that supports the ethical and professional standards of our nation's immigration health system. If you are a seasoned USPHS officer ready to take on the challenge of high-stakes investigations, we encourage you to review the full announcement and submit your application.
Why This Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory - Internal Job Matters
Step into a critical leadership role as an O-5 Investigator with the ICE Health Service Corps, where your expertise directly influences federal healthcare standards and accountability.
Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory - Internal Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a qualified O-5 commissioned officer to join the Investigations Unit. This non-supervisory role focuses on conducting high-stakes administrative investigations into medical complaints, morbidity/mortality incidents, and staff conduct at detention facilities nationwide. This is a unique opportunity for experienced public health professionals to ensure compliance with federal standards and improve health outcomes within the immigration detention system.
Requirements for Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory - Internal
- Must be a current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer.
- Must be a current IHSC employee.
- Unrestricted professional license in a clinical category (e.g., RN, Physician Assistant, Pharmacist, Physician, Dentist, etc.).
- Minimum of five years of professional experience in your clinical field.
- At least two years of specialized experience in a detention or correctional healthcare setting.
- Must currently hold a rank of GS-13, PHS LCDR, or higher.
- Favorable adjudication on a Tier 4 background investigation.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to twice per month on short notice.
Preferred Qualifications for Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory - Internal
- Two years of supervisory or administrative management experience within public health programs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint).
- Working knowledge of ICE and IHSC regulations, policies, and procedures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package through the USPHS
- ✓Opportunities for high-level policy impact
- ✓Professional development within a mission-critical federal agency
- ✓Travel opportunities to diverse geographic locations
💡 How to Apply Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory - Internal Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory - Internal Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your USPHS Promotion CV and all required supporting documentation.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Ensure all three recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER) are attached.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your CV clearly highlights your two years of correctional facility experience.
- Double-check that all required memos regarding Assignment Pay (AP) are included.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Be prepared to explain your experience with policy interpretation during the interview phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is strictly limited to current USPHS officers who are also currently employed by the IHSC. USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible.
How much travel is required?
The role requires willingness to travel up to twice per month, with trips lasting between 1 and 7 days, often on short notice.
What is the primary focus of the investigations?
You will investigate medical complaints, morbidity and mortality incidents, and allegations of staff misconduct at over 140 detention facilities.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps is a branch of the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) focused on providing high-quality medical, dental, and mental health care. Managing care for over 200,000 individuals annually, the IHSC operates in a complex environment where adherence to strict detention standards is paramount to national security and humanitarian compliance.