Become an Investigator with the ICE Health Service Corps: A Vital Role for USPHS Officers

Are you a dedicated U.S. Public Health Service officer looking to transition into a high-impact investigative role? The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking experienced professionals to serve as Investigators (O-5 Billet). This role is critical to maintaining the integrity, safety, and quality of healthcare services provided within the federal detention system.

Job Responsibilities

As an Investigator, you will be on the front lines of accountability. Your primary duties will include:

Conducting impartial administrative investigations into medical complaints.
Reviewing incidents involving patient morbidity and mortality.
Investigating allegations of staff misconduct within medical facilities.
Collaborating with senior agency leaders, Congress, and external stakeholders.
Developing strategies to improve unit performance and efficiency.

Requirements

To qualify for this O-5 billet, candidates must meet rigorous professional criteria:

Must be a current USPHS officer.
Current, unrestricted clinical license (Nurse, PA, Physician, etc.).
Five years of relevant professional experience, including two years in a detention or correctional setting.
Ability to pass a Tier 4 background investigation.

Comparison of Investigator Roles

Feature	Entry-Level Investigator	O-5 Billet Investigator
Scope	Localized	National/Unit-wide
Experience Needed	2+ Years	5+ Years (with correctional focus)
Leadership	Supervised	Independent/Program Management

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive federal salary with potential earnings up to $150,000 per year. Beyond the base pay, officers receive the standard comprehensive suite of benefits provided to the U.S. Public Health Service, including health insurance, retirement planning, and professional development support.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Documentation: Ensure your Promotion CV reflects your investigative experience specifically.
Verify Credentials: Keep your clinical licenses and COERs updated in your eOPF.
Follow Procedures: Submit your assignment pay memos promptly to avoid processing delays.

If you possess the clinical expertise and investigative rigor required to support the IHSC mission, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the opportunity to influence public health policies and ensure the highest standards of care in one of the most critical environments in the federal government.

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

Join the ICE Health Service Corps as an Investigator and play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability, patient safety, and high-quality healthcare standards across national detention facilities.

Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a qualified U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer to join the Investigations Unit (IIU) as an Investigator. This non-supervisory O-5 billet position focuses on conducting administrative investigations into medical complaints, morbidity/mortality incidents, and staff misconduct. You will serve as a key advocate for public health and operational integrity, operating in a dynamic environment that requires expertise in investigative principles, healthcare standards, and policy interpretation.

Requirements for Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

Must be a current active-duty U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer.
Possess a current, unrestricted license in a clinical category (Nurse, Physician Assistant, Pharmacist, Dentist, Dental Hygienist, or Physician).
Minimum of five years of professional experience relevant to your clinical category.
At least two years of experience performing duties in a detention or correctional healthcare setting.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Tier 4 background investigation.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel up to twice per month for agency-directed assignments.
Must meet qualification requirements for the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) Management Inquiry Training within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications for Investigator (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

At least two years of supervisory or management/administrative experience in public health programs.
Current rank of GS-13, PHS LCDR, or higher.
Demonstrated knowledge of ICE, American Correctional Association, and National Commission on Correctional Health Care standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint.
Six or more years of professional experience within an ICE-related office environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
✓Participation in the U.S. Public Health Service retirement system
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Paid travel and per diem for official investigations
✓Eligibility for federal employee benefits programs
✓Opportunities for telework based on agency policy

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

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

Verify eligibility as a current USPHS officer.
Prepare your official USPHS Promotion CV, cover letter, and professional license documentation.
Compile your three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER).
Access the USAJOBS portal to complete the occupational questionnaire.
Submit all required documents, including your Certificate of Investigation and Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
Confirm the submission of your application through the 'Submit My Answers' button.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your application package is complete; missing documents may disqualify you from consideration.
Clearly label your documents according to the specific categories requested (e.g., 'Performance Appraisal', 'Diploma/GED').
If you lack an Assignment Pay agreement, provide a signed memo explicitly stating this status.
Double-check your email address for accuracy to ensure you receive notifications regarding your application status.
Contact the Human Resources representative at least one day before the deadline if you encounter technical difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This position is exclusively open to current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers. CAD candidates are not eligible.

Is travel required for this role?

Yes, travel is a core requirement, generally occurring up to twice per month, ranging from 1 to 7 days per trip with limited notice.

What kind of investigations will I conduct?

You will handle administrative investigations including medical complaints, patient morbidity or mortality incidents, and allegations of staff misconduct.

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) functions under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality medical, dental, and mental health care to noncitizens housed in detention facilities across the United States. As the investigative arm of the corps, the Investigations Unit (IIU) ensures that our healthcare delivery systems remain transparent, efficient, and fully compliant with national standards.