Become a Communications Specialist for the ICE Health Service Corps

Are you a dedicated professional in the U.S. Public Health Service looking to leverage your communication expertise in a high-impact, mission-critical environment? The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently accepting applications for a Communications Specialist (O-5 Billet). This role is designed for those who excel at distilling complex information into clear, actionable narratives that support national security and public health operations.

Job Responsibilities

As a Communications Specialist, you will be the voice of IHSC internal operations. Your core responsibilities include:

Strategic Planning: Developing and executing communication strategies using Town Halls, digital platforms, and newsletters.
Content Creation: Drafting, editing, and designing speeches, briefings, web content, and the quarterly IHSC Communicator magazine.
Project Management: Overseeing communication tasks from inception to completion, ensuring strict deadlines are met.
Collaboration: Partnering with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and policy alignment.
Mentorship: Providing guidance to junior staff and contributing to the refinement of internal communication policies.

Comparison of Requirements

Feature	USPHS Officer Path	Call to Active Duty (CAD)
Required Documents	Official Promotion CV, COERs	Appointment Board Letter
Status	Existing Commissioned Officer	New Appointment Status
Documents Portal	Upload to USPHS CV section	Upload to USPHS CV section

Requirements

This position requires a high level of specialized knowledge. You must hold an advanced degree (M.A. or M.S.) alongside a qualifying degree for your specific USPHS category. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required. Additionally, you must be comfortable working in a critical-sensitive environment and be prepared to travel for up to 30 days per year.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary range reaching up to $150,000 per year, commensurate with your grade and military compensation structure. Benefits include:

Specialized medical and dental coverage.
Retirement and pension options for officers.
Paid professional development and training.
Flexible telework opportunities as defined by agency policy.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your CV highlights your experience with Adobe and Microsoft Office, as these are primary tools for this role. Clearly document your experience in "plain language" writing, as the agency prioritizes accessibility and clarity. Always double-check that your application includes your latest performance appraisals (COERs) if you are currently a USPHS officer.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a communication professional to make a tangible difference in one of the nation's most vital health agencies. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a new challenge, prepare your application materials and submit them before the September 22, 2026, deadline.

Why This Communications Specialist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters

Join the elite ranks of the ICE Health Service Corps as a Communications Specialist and shape the narrative of a vital national security mission.

Communications Specialist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a dedicated Communications Specialist to join its team. This unique role is reserved for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates. The incumbent will be responsible for crafting internal communication strategies, managing digital platforms, producing executive-level content, and coordinating organization-wide information sharing to support IHSC's extensive medical mission.

Requirements for Communications Specialist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

Must be a U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer or an eligible Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Possess a qualifying degree for the officer's category plus an advanced degree (M.A. or M.S.) from an accredited institution.
Minimum of five years of professional experience relevant to the officer's career category.
Must pass a critical-sensitive security investigation and drug test.
Ability to deploy for up to 30 days annually through the IHSC TDY On-Call Schedule (ITOS) program.
Must provide three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER).

Preferred Qualifications for Communications Specialist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office applications for document design and layout.
Experience managing internal communications for a large, multi-sector, multidisciplinary organization.
Proficiency in utilizing GovDelivery or similar mass-distribution communication tools.
Strong background in writing, editing, and copy-proofing for plain language compliance.
Proven track record of managing complex communication projects from inception to completion under tight deadlines.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal benefits package for commissioned officers.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the USPHS.
✓Work-life balance through authorized telework policies.
✓Exposure to high-level organizational operations and policy implementation.
✓Professional support within a mission-driven, multi-disciplinary health environment.

💡 How to Apply Communications Specialist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Communications Specialist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Review the specific requirements for your hiring path (USPHS Officer vs. New Call to Active Duty).
Prepare all mandatory documentation, including your CV, professional licenses, and performance appraisals.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before 11:59 PM (EST) on September 22, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your email address is active and monitored, as all status updates will be sent via email.
Double-check that all required documents are categorized correctly in the portal to ensure full consideration.
Review your CV against the specific duties listed to ensure your relevant experience is clearly articulated.
Contact the HR representative at least one day before the closing date if you encounter any technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This position is exclusively open to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and those qualified for a Call to Active Duty (CAD).

Is travel required for this role?

Yes, the incumbent may be required to deploy for up to 30 days per year to various internal facilities to support on-site communication needs.

Can I submit my application via email?

No, all applications and supporting documentation must be submitted through the official online portal.

What is the security clearance level for this job?

The position is designated as Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk and requires successful completion of a thorough suitability investigation.

Is this a supervisory role?

No, this is a non-supervisory position, though you will be expected to provide leadership and mentorship to junior staff.

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With a staff of over 1,650 employees—including PHS officers, civil servants, and contractors—IHSC manages a comprehensive health care system. In the last fiscal year, the agency handled nearly 1.4 million health care encounters across hundreds of facilities. Your work as a Communications Specialist will directly support the leaders ensuring these critical health services are delivered effectively.