Providing Essential Psychiatric Care: A Career with the ICE Health Service Corps

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) plays a vital role in the U.S. immigration system by ensuring that all detainees under ICE custody receive high-quality, compassionate medical and psychiatric care. We are currently seeking experienced and dedicated Psychiatric Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) for O-4 and O-5 billets in Tacoma, Washington. If you are a commissioned officer of the U.S. Public Health Service or a candidate seeking a Call to Active Duty, this role offers a unique opportunity to serve in a critical public safety environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Psychiatric APP, your daily contributions will be foundational to our clinical mission. Your responsibilities include:

Conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and developing individualized treatment plans.
Providing both onsite and telepsychiatry consultations for detainees.
Managing medications while strictly adhering to IHSC formularies.
Facilitating emergency psychiatric care and suicide prevention protocols.
Coordinating with collaborating psychiatrists and facility leadership to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Requirements

To be eligible for these positions, candidates must meet rigorous professional and licensure standards.

Requirement	Description
Licensure	Unrestricted state license as a PMHNP, PA, or Pharmacist
Certification	ANCC, NCCPA, or BPS board certification required
Experience	Min. 6 months (O-4) to 3-5 years (O-5) of direct psychiatric patient care
Physicality	Ability to perform CPR and navigate correctional facility environments

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary, with a range extending up to $150,000 annually. Compensation is determined based on the rank (O-4/O-5) and the specific qualifications of the commissioned officer.

Benefits

Joining the IHSC means gaining access to a comprehensive federal benefits suite. This includes:

Competitive government pay scales.
Professional growth within the U.S. Public Health Service.
Opportunities for specialized clinical training.
The ability to make a tangible impact on public health and national security.

Application Tips

Tailor Your CV: Ensure your USPHS Promotion CV highlights your psychiatric experience.
Documentation: Keep your license and certification copies easily accessible during the application process.
Early Submission: Don't wait until the final hours to submit via the USAJOBS portal.

If you are a mission-oriented mental health professional, we invite you to apply and contribute your skills to the IHSC team in Tacoma. This is a rare opportunity to serve your country while providing essential psychiatric care.

Why This Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (O-4/O-5) Non-Supervisory Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on public health within a vital national security framework as a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider for the ICE Health Service Corps.

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (O-4/O-5) Non-Supervisory Job Overview

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking dedicated Psychiatric Advanced Practice Providers (O-4/O-5 level) to deliver essential mental health care to detainees. This position plays a critical role in providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, treatment planning, medication management, and emergency psychiatric interventions in a dynamic, correctional environment. This role is exclusively available to active-duty U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and those approved for Call to Active Duty (CAD).

Requirements for Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (O-4/O-5) Non-Supervisory

Must be a U.S. Public Health Service officer or Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Unrestricted state license as a PMHNP, PA, or Pharmacist.
National board certification (ANCC for NPs, NCCPA for PAs, or BPS for Pharmacists).
Current CPR/BLS certification.
Ability to obtain DEA registration within 90 days of start date.
Physical ability to walk, stand, kneel, and lift/carry up to 30 pounds.
Capability to work in a stressful, austere correctional health care environment.

Preferred Qualifications for Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (O-4/O-5) Non-Supervisory

Experience in correctional health care settings.
Certification as a Correctional Healthcare Professional (CCHP).
Certificate of Added Qualification in Psychiatry (for Physician Assistants).
Bilingual communication skills.
Strong knowledge of forensic psychiatry concepts and principles.
Familiarity with IHSC policies and national standards (NCCHC/PBNDS).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Professional development and clinical mentorship
✓Opportunities for program leadership
✓Integration into a multidisciplinary federal healthcare team

💡 How to Apply Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (O-4/O-5) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider (O-4/O-5) Non-Supervisory Job

Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Compile the required application package, including USPHS Promotion CV, cover letter, and professional credentials.
Submit all materials via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Monitor application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your USPHS Promotion CV is up-to-date and reflects your most relevant clinical experience.
Double-check that all required documents (licenses, certifications, and recent COERs) are uploaded correctly.
Submit your application at least 24 hours before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Clearly indicate your location preferences in your cover letter if applying as a CAD candidate.
Contact the HR representative listed in the announcement if you require specific application assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This position is strictly open to active U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and candidates approved for Call to Active Duty (CAD).

What is the primary role of the Psychiatric APP?

The APP provides direct mental health care to detainees, including initial evaluations, ongoing treatment planning, medication management, and coordination with psychiatrists and clinical leadership.

Is travel required for this role?

Yes, travel may be required up to 20% of the time, and the role may involve medical escort duties for detainees.

What is the clinical supervisory structure?

You will work under the clinical supervision of a designated collaborating psychiatrist and receive administrative oversight from the facility clinical director.

Is there an on-call requirement?

Yes, the position requires on-call coverage and the ability to return to the facility after hours for urgent needs.

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

The ICE Health Service Corps is a multidisciplinary team within the Department of Homeland Security. Operating with over 1,400 staff members, IHSC ensures that detainees receive comprehensive health services at facilities nationwide. Our mission is built on the foundation of clinical excellence, integrity, and the commitment to uphold the safety and well-being of the populations we serve.