Serving the Mission: Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5) with the ICE Health Service Corps
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps (IHSC) plays a vital role in the health and safety of individuals within the federal detention system. As part of the Department of Homeland Security, the IHSC is currently recruiting for a highly specialized Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet). This position offers a unique opportunity for USPHS officers to provide essential mental health support, oversight, and policy guidance in a high-stakes clinical environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Behavioral Health Case Manager, you will serve as a subject matter expert, coordinating care for complex cases and ensuring that treatment plans are effective and compliant with federal regulations. Your core responsibilities include:
- Care Coordination: Overseeing behavioral health services for individuals with serious mental illnesses.
- Clinical Reviews: Conducting independent mental health evaluations and adjudicating requests for outside specialty care.
- Policy Oversight: Monitoring compliance with ICE Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS).
- Stakeholder Engagement: Advising agency leadership and collaborating with legal and custody staff to address behavioral health concerns.
- Site Visits: Performing routine and ad-hoc inspections of detention facilities to ensure continuity of care and appropriate resource allocation.
Requirements
This position is reserved for current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers. Candidates must possess:
- Education: A master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology from an accredited program.
- Licensure: An active, independent, and unrestricted clinical license to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Certification: Must maintain BLS for Healthcare Providers certification and obtain the Case Manager (CCM) certification within 18 months.
- Experience: At least 3 years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | O-5 (Non-Supervisory) |
| Compensation Range | Up to $150,000 annually (dependent on rank/experience) |
| Employment Type | USPHS Commissioned Corps |
| Travel Requirement | 25% National Travel |
| Retirement & Health | Standard Federal Commissioned Corps Benefits |
Application Tips
To ensure your application is successful, organize your document package carefully. Ensure all clinical licenses, your most recent three COERs, and your USPHS Promotion CV are included as requested. Since the application process relies on USPHS-specific paperwork, verify that your eOPF contains the most up-to-date versions of your credentials. For technical support, reach out to the IHSC recruiting office well before the deadline.
This O-5 Behavioral Health Case Manager role is an exceptional opportunity for dedicated officers to influence health policy and provide life-saving interventions within the federal system. If you are a clinical professional looking to contribute to the IHSC mission, we encourage you to submit your application and supporting materials by September 15, 2026.
Why This Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Join the elite ranks of the ICE Health Service Corps as a Behavioral Health Case Manager and play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and continuity of care for those in federal custody.
Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) to provide high-level clinical oversight and coordination. This non-supervisory role involves managing complex mental health cases, conducting site visits, and ensuring that care standards are met across assigned detention facilities. This position is exclusively available to current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers.
Requirements for Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer.
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program OR PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology.
- Valid, unrestricted, independent clinical license to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 3 years of post-licensure experience at an independent level.
- Current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification (AHA).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain clinical privileging by IHSC.
- Must earn Case Management certification (CCM) within 18 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications for Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Experience in detention, correctional, or residential healthcare settings.
- Proficiency in both English and Spanish (verbal and written).
- PhD/PsyD from an APA-accredited program.
- Active membership and involvement in behavioral health professional associations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and allowances.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits.
- ✓Professional growth and career advancement within the U.S. Public Health Service.
- ✓Opportunities for travel and specialized clinical training.
- ✓Support for continuing education and professional certifications.
💡 How to Apply Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account to start the application.
- Prepare your USPHS Promotion CV and required supporting documentation.
- Submit your cover letter, current COERs, professional licenses, and reference list.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your application before the closing date of September 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure all documents, including your COERs and Certificates of Investigation, are clearly labeled as requested in the announcement.
- Double-check that your license is current and uploaded to your profile.
- If you have an Assignment Pay agreement, ensure that documentation is current and properly attached.
- Contact the HR representative at least 24 hours before the deadline if you encounter technical difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is strictly limited to currently serving U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers. Candidates in the Call to Active Duty (CAD) process are not eligible.
Is travel required for this role?
Yes, approximately 25% travel is required, including temporary duty (TDY) assignments to IHSC-staffed facilities to provide clinical support and ensure care standards.
Are there specific credentialing requirements?
Yes, this role requires clinical privileging by IHSC. Additionally, non-certified candidates must obtain the Case Management (CCM) credential within 18 months of their start date.
Can I apply if I am not currently a USPHS officer?
No, this announcement is specifically open to current USPHS officers.
What is the primary focus of the Case Manager?
The focus is on clinical oversight, case coordination for high-risk patients, and ensuring facility compliance with detention healthcare standards.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The ICE Health Service Corps is committed to providing high-quality healthcare to those in ICE custody. By adhering to national detention standards and evidence-based clinical practices, the IHSC ensures that every individual receives compassionate and appropriate medical and behavioral health care. As a component of the Department of Homeland Security, the IHSC operates across the United States, supporting the agency's broader mission of national security and public safety through healthcare excellence.