Advance Your Medical Career: Join the ICE Health Service Corps in Jena, LA
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently recruiting for highly skilled Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)—including both Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners—to join their clinical team in Jena, Louisiana. This role represents a unique opportunity for commissioned officers of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and those eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD) to provide essential healthcare services in a challenging, mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
This role involves comprehensive detainee care, including history and physical examinations, minor surgical procedures, behavioral health screenings, and urgent care response. Depending on the billet level (O-3, O-4, or O-5), responsibilities range from providing primary patient contact and coordinating referrals to serving as an Acting Senior Supervisory APP.
Key Daily Duties
- Performing comprehensive history and physical evaluations.
- Prescribing and managing medications according to controlled substances protocols.
- Managing infectious disease protocols, including Tuberculosis testing and treatment.
- Coordinating off-site specialist referrals.
- Documenting all care visits in compliance with federal health record policies.
Requirements
This position is exclusively for USPHS officers. Applicants must hold an unrestricted state license and national board certification. The following table highlights the experience requirements by billet:
| Billet Level | Minimum Experience Required | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| O-3 | Entry Level / New Grad | Direct patient care under supervision |
| O-4 | 1 Year of Clinical Experience | Independent practice & Peer Review participation |
| O-5 | 4+ Years of Clinical Experience | Mentorship, leadership, & high-acuity care |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with the rank and experience of the commissioned officer, with a ceiling up to $150,000 annually. As a federal role, it provides access to the comprehensive benefits afforded to PHS officers, including health, retirement, and service-based bonuses.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official federal portal by the closing date. Ensure you have your USPHS Promotion CV, copies of your degrees, and professional certifications ready for upload. Remember, the selection process is competitive; take care to format your documents exactly as requested in the 'Required Documents' section.
Serving as an APP with the IHSC is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service and clinical excellence. If you are an experienced PA or NP looking to apply your skills in a high-impact environment, this opportunity in Jena offers the perfect venue to grow your career while supporting a vital federal mission.
Why This Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Join the elite ranks of the U.S. Public Health Service and provide critical clinical care within the ICE Health Service Corps in Jena, Louisiana.
Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking dedicated Advanced Practice Providers (Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners) for non-supervisory billets. This mission-critical role focuses on delivering high-quality healthcare to detainees, ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of a diverse population in an austere, fast-paced environment. This position is exclusively open to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a U.S. Public Health Service officer or an eligible Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
- For O-3/O-4 billets: Minimum of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies (ARC-PA accredited) or Nurse Practitioner studies (Family or Adult-Gerontology).
- For O-5 billets: Over 4 years of full-time clinical experience as a PA or NP.
- Unrestricted state license as a PA or NP, plus national certification (NCCPA for PAs; AANP or ANCC for NPs).
- Current CPR/BLS certification and ability to obtain/maintain DEA licensure.
- Physical ability to perform emergency medical care, including lifting over 30 lbs and standing/kneeling for extended periods.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Prior experience in correctional health care settings.
- Familiarity with NCCHC and PBNDS regulatory requirements.
- Experience in public health preparedness, infection control, and Tuberculosis management.
- Active ACLS certification.
- Possession of a DEA Buprenorphine X-Waiver.
- Prior experience in a team lead or supervisory capacity.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary package.
- âś“Comprehensive health and wellness coverage.
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
- âś“Service-related leadership and clinical mentorship.
- âś“Participation in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
- âś“Access to regional and national clinical meetings.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for USPHS or CAD status.
- Prepare your application package including CV, degrees, professional licenses, and three references.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit all required documentation by the deadline via the portal.
- Monitor your status via the 'Application Status' section on USAJOBS.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure all documentation is submitted as a single, complete package to avoid disqualification.
- Use the specific document categories requested (e.g., place CV in the 'USPHS Promotion CV' section).
- Highlight any experience related to correctional health or high-volume clinical settings in your resume.
- Submit your application early to allow time for technical troubleshooting.
- Double-check that your email address is current to receive status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is currently restricted to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and applicants who are eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD) status.
What is the physical nature of this work?
The role requires significant physical activity, including lifting, dragging, or assisting patients who may be physically impaired, as well as performing CPR in high-pressure emergency situations.
What is the difference between O-3/O-4 and O-5 billets?
The O-3/O-4 billets are focused on direct clinical care and may involve less seniority, while O-5 billets require 4+ years of experience and may involve mentoring, team leadership, or serving as an Acting Senior Supervisory APP.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The IHSC operates under the Department of Homeland Security, dedicated to providing on-site direct patient care for individuals in ICE detention facilities. With a multidisciplinary workforce of over 1,400 employees, the IHSC manages healthcare at 23 detention sites and coordinates care for thousands of individuals annually. Their mission is rooted in maintaining the health and security of the nation while ensuring humanitarian standards of care.