Behavioral Health Provider: Advancing Clinical Excellence with ICE Health Service Corps
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) plays a pivotal role in the Department of Homeland Security’s mission, providing essential medical and mental health services to detained individuals nationwide. We are currently seeking a motivated and highly skilled Behavioral Health Provider to join our team in Tacoma, Washington. This O-5 level, non-supervisory role is a unique opportunity for commissioned U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers or qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates to contribute to a critical, mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as a primary behavioral health consultant. Your duties will include:
- Clinical Assessment: Conducting thorough evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment planning for detained individuals.
- Therapeutic Intervention: Delivering group and individual psychotherapy using evidence-based modalities.
- Care Coordination: Collaborating with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to manage complex cases.
- Team Leadership: Serving as a facility expert and potential Team Lead, guiding junior staff and participating in policy initiatives.
- Crisis Management: Providing critical support for suicide risk management and emergency behavioral healthcare.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet rigorous professional and physical standards:
- Education: A Doctoral Degree in psychology or a Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited program.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted license to practice independently.
- Experience: At least four years of post-licensure clinical experience.
- Physical Fitness: Capability to perform emergency duties, including CPR and physically assisting others during evacuations.
- Commissioned Status: Eligibility as a USPHS officer or Call to Active Duty candidate.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range up to $150,000 per year. Beyond the salary, officers benefit from the extensive support structure of the USPHS, including professional training, health coverage, and potential relocation assistance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | Up to $150,000 PA |
| Location | Tacoma, Washington |
| Job Level | O-5 Billet |
| Clearance | Critical-Sensitive |
If you are a clinical professional driven by service and looking to make a direct impact within the U.S. federal landscape, this role with IHSC offers unparalleled professional growth. Apply by July 4, 2026, to join our team in Tacoma.
Why This Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Join the ICE Health Service Corps as a Behavioral Health Provider and make a critical impact in a high-stakes, mission-driven environment in Tacoma, Washington.
Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) to provide essential mental health support within a federal facility. This non-supervisory role focuses on assessment, clinical evaluation, and multidisciplinary treatment planning for detained individuals. Candidates serve as subject matter experts, facilitating continuity of care and coordinating with regional healthcare consultants. This role is exclusively open to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and candidates qualified for Call to Active Duty (CAD).
Requirements for Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must hold a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical/counseling psychology OR a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
- Possess a current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice independently in a U.S. State or territory.
- Minimum of four years of post-licensure clinical experience.
- Must maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Must meet physical demands including the ability to perform emergency care, walk/jog short distances, and lift or carry up to 30 pounds.
- Must successfully complete a high-risk security background investigation.
- Open only to active USPHS officers or individuals eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD).
Preferred Qualifications for Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Demonstrated experience in evidenced-based treatment modalities for mental health and substance abuse.
- Prior experience working in correctional or high-acuity behavioral health settings.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to act as a Team Lead.
- Strong proficiency in clinical documentation via electronic medical records (EMR).
- High level of cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with diverse, vulnerable populations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary structure up to $150,000 per year.
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and specialized clinical training.
- âś“Comprehensive health and retirement benefits provided through the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
- âś“Relocation benefits may be available for qualified candidates.
- âś“Contribution to vital national security and humanitarian missions.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Review the specific document requirements, including USPHS credentials and professional references.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package by the closing date of July 4, 2026.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard for interview notifications.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your USPHS Promotion CV clearly highlights your four years of post-licensure clinical experience.
- Triple-check that your professional license is active and documented in your submission.
- Provide three strong, verifiable professional references.
- Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to troubleshoot any technical issues.
- Ensure your contact information is accurate, as hiring updates are sent via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is open specifically to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and individuals eligible for a Call to Active Duty (CAD).
What level of supervision is involved?
This is a non-supervisory role; however, the incumbent may be designated as a Team Lead if no Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider is present at the facility.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position is designated as Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk and requires a full background investigation.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is the dedicated medical wing of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Our mission is to provide comprehensive care—medical, dental, and behavioral—to approximately 15,300 detainees across 20 facilities daily. We act as a vital component of the nation’s immigration enforcement infrastructure, ensuring that healthcare is delivered with professionalism, clinical rigor, and humanitarian consideration.