Lead as a Unit Chief: Shaping Health and Security at ICE

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) plays a vital role in national security by ensuring that individuals in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) receive appropriate medical care. The position of Unit Chief for Taskings and Program Support (O-6 Billet) is a high-impact leadership role within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This position is perfect for a seasoned USPHS officer ready to take on the responsibility of managing complex, large-scale health support programs.

Job Responsibilities

As the Unit Chief, your day-to-day operations will involve a diverse portfolio:

Task Management: Overseeing hundreds of internal and external information requests, ensuring all communication meets federal standards.
Emergency Management: Leading the IHSC response to crisis situations, planning drills, and ensuring compliance with national detention standards.
Supervision: You will directly supervise a deputy unit chief, emergency management specialists, and team leads, ensuring the team is aligned with IHSC leadership goals.
Strategic Planning: Implementing the TPSU business plan and fostering collaboration across ERO, ICE, and other interagency partners.

Comparison: Role Focus Areas

Program Area	Primary Goal	Stakeholders
Task Management	Quality Communication	Congress, DHS, Internal
Emergency Management	Operational Readiness	ICE Facilities, ERO
Support Programs	System Compliance	Credentialing, IT/Self-Inspection

Requirements

This is a senior-level position. To qualify, you must possess:

A Master’s degree or higher.
At least six years of professional experience in your category.
At least three years of experience in public health administration.
Seven years of leadership and supervisory experience.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary structure, with a maximum range of $150,000 per year, commensurate with your USPHS pay scale and officer rank.

Benefits

Federal health insurance options.
Retirement and pension benefits for uniformed service members.
Professional development opportunities within the Department of Homeland Security.
The ability to work in a high-visibility, mission-critical environment.

Application Tips

Submit a complete package including your USPHS Promotion CV, COERs, and documentation of all certificates. Ensure your writing samples reflect a high degree of precision, as this role is heavily focused on correspondence and policy development. Use the USAJOBS dashboard to track your application status regularly.

Serving as a Unit Chief in the IHSC is an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on how the federal government manages public health. If you are an experienced leader ready to coordinate high-stakes taskings and emergency operations, apply before the September 30, 2026, deadline.

Why This Unit Chief, Taskings And Program Support (O-6 Billet) Supervisory Job Matters

Lead critical operations at the intersection of federal health policy and national security as a Unit Chief for the ICE Health Service Corps.

Unit Chief, Taskings And Program Support (O-6 Billet) Supervisory Job Overview

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a seasoned USPHS Officer to lead the Taskings and Program Support Unit (TPSU) in Washington, D.C. This pivotal O-6 billet involves directing high-level program support, emergency management, and task coordination. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team, bridge communication between IHSC and DHS leadership, and ensure mission-critical compliance for health services supporting national immigration enforcement operations.

Requirements for Unit Chief, Taskings And Program Support (O-6 Billet) Supervisory

Must be a current USPHS officer (USPHS Call to Active Duty candidates are ineligible).
Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Minimum of six years of professional experience relevant to the officer's category.
Minimum three years of specialized experience in management, administration, and evaluation of public health programs.
Minimum seven years of extensive leadership, supervisory, and program management experience.
Must be able to pass a Critical-Sensitive/High Risk background investigation and drug test.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint).

Preferred Qualifications for Unit Chief, Taskings And Program Support (O-6 Billet) Supervisory

Direct experience in emergency management programs or leading emergency planning/response operations.
Knowledge of federal detention health care standards and correctional health requirements.
Expertise in task management systems and FOIA/Privacy Act compliance procedures.
Strong background in federal plain language writing and communication standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive USPHS Officer compensation and benefits package
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Eligibility for federal health and retirement benefits
✓Telework opportunities as authorized by the agency

💡 How to Apply Unit Chief, Taskings And Program Support (O-6 Billet) Supervisory Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Unit Chief, Taskings And Program Support (O-6 Billet) Supervisory Job

Create or sign in to your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents: USPHS Promotion CV, Cover Letter, three most recent COERs, professional licenses, and certificates.
Submit the application package by the closing date of 09/30/2026.
Monitor application status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your CV explicitly highlights your leadership and supervisory tenure to meet the 7-year requirement.
Double-check that all performance appraisals (COERs) are attached to the correct section.
Contact the HR representative at least 24 hours before the deadline if you encounter technical issues.
Tailor your resume to reflect your proficiency in Microsoft Office and emergency planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this O-6 position?

This position is strictly open to current USPHS officers. Candidates in the Call to Active Duty (CAD) process are not eligible.

Is travel required?

Yes, this position includes a travel component related to emergency preparedness, training, and program oversight.

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security’s mission is to secure the nation from a multitude of threats. As the principal investigative arm of DHS, ICE is at the forefront of this mission, managing everything from cross-border crime to the logistical support of non-citizen detainees. The IHSC, specifically, provides critical clinical and public health support, managing a massive, nationwide network of facilities and medical services.