Providing Specialized Care: Behavioral Health Provider Careers with IHSC
Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a significant impact in a challenging and rewarding environment? The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently recruiting for a Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5) to join our team in Jena, Louisiana. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide critical support to detained non-citizens, ensuring that essential psychological services and case management are delivered with integrity and professional excellence.
Job Responsibilities
The Behavioral Health Provider serves as a consultant and clinician, responsible for the following core duties:
- Clinical Practice: Conduct thorough assessments, evaluations, and diagnosis of mental health conditions.
- Psychotherapy: Facilitate counseling and substance abuse education using evidence-based modalities.
- Collaboration: Coordinate with doctors, legal counsel, and custody staff to ensure comprehensive treatment plans.
- Crisis Management: Monitor suicide risks and provide immediate intervention when necessary.
- Documentation: Maintain precise records using our electronic medical record system.
- Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert and provide training to clinical and custody staff on behavioral health topics.
Requirements
This position is highly specialized and requires specific professional credentials. Candidates must be either U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers or candidates participating in the Call to Active Duty (CAD) program.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Degree | Doctoral degree (Psychology) or Master's degree (Social Work) |
| Licensure | Unrestricted state or territory license (LCSW, LICSW, etc.) |
| Experience | 2-4 years of post-licensure clinical work (Rank dependent) |
| Certification | Current BLS certification |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual compensation of up to $150,000 per year, commensurate with rank and service requirements. This pay package reflects the complex responsibilities of the role and the hazardous nature of the facility environment.
Benefits
Employees of the IHSC benefit from being part of a national health network. Benefits include standard federal health and retirement packages, as well as the opportunity to participate in specialized medical training and professional development through internal policy workgroups and regional health consultant collaboration.
Application Tips
To stand out during the evaluation process, ensure your application package is comprehensive. Include your most recent performance appraisals, a clear CV detailing your clinical history, and all active professional licenses. Pay close attention to the specific documentation requirements for USPHS officers versus CAD applicants, as these determine your eligibility pathway.
Serving as a Behavioral Health Provider with IHSC is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service and clinical integrity. If you are prepared to apply your skills in a high-stakes environment where every intervention counts, we encourage you to apply for this vital role in Jena, Louisiana today.
Why This Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Advance your career in clinical mental health by serving as a Behavioral Health Provider with the ICE Health Service Corps in Jena, Louisiana, where your expertise directly impacts national security and public safety.
Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Provider to join our clinical team in Jena, Louisiana. This non-supervisory role is open to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates. You will provide critical mental health assessments, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention services for detained non-citizens. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will play a vital role in ensuring quality care, case management, and continuity of services within an austere, high-impact federal environment.
Requirements for Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer or a Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
- For Psychologists: A Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology.
- For Social Workers: A Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Must hold a current, full, and unrestricted state or territory license (e.g., LCSW, LICSW, LMSW-C for social workers).
- Minimum of 2 to 4 years of post-licensure clinical experience depending on rank (O-3/O-4/O-5).
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Ability to meet physical requirements including walking, jogging, CPR performance, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
- Must be able to pass a critical-sensitive security and suitability background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Experience in correctional or secure facility mental health settings.
- Expertise in evidenced-based psychotherapy modalities and substance abuse counseling.
- Strong proficiency in utilizing electronic medical records (EMR) for documentation and compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate care with multidisciplinary medical and custody teams.
- Experience with crisis intervention and suicide risk management protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary up to $150,000 annually
- ✓Opportunity to serve in a critical public health capacity
- ✓Access to a multidisciplinary clinical environment
- ✓Professional development through IHSC policy workgroups
- ✓Standard federal benefits for USPHS commissioned officers
💡 How to Apply Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Create or log into your account on the federal careers portal.
- Review the full position announcement and verify your eligibility for the USPHS officer or CAD track.
- Prepare your required documents, including your CV, professional license, and performance reports.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire accurately.
- Upload all mandatory documentation, such as the Certificate of Investigation or Appointment Board Decision Letter.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date of October 21, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your CV explicitly highlights your post-licensure clinical experience to match the O-3, O-4, or O-5 requirements.
- Double-check your email address, as all correspondence regarding your application status will be sent electronically.
- Apply at least one day before the deadline to resolve any potential technical issues.
- Categorize your uploaded documents correctly (e.g., placing your CV under 'USPHS Promotion CV') to ensure the system processes them correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is specifically restricted to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and those applying through the Call to Active Duty (CAD) program.
What is the physical nature of the job?
This is a hazardous duty assignment. You must be physically capable of performing CPR, walking/jogging for security purposes, and assisting in the safe movement of patients, including lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds.
What level of supervision is provided?
You will report to the Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider or the Clinical Director. The role is non-supervisory but may require you to act as a team lead if a supervisor is not present.
Is travel required?
*A: Yes, the role may require travel for specialized training and education at the BHU Headquarters.*
What is the physical demand of this role?
*A: The environment is considered hazardous. You must be able to perform CPR, maintain physical balance, and move briskly to assist in emergency situations.*
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). IHSC is responsible for providing direct medical, dental, and mental health care to thousands of detainees across the nation. Our mission is to ensure that individuals in our care receive high-quality medical services, manage public health risks, and maintain operational resilience. As part of our clinical team, you become a key player in a mission-critical organization that balances security with the fundamental right to humane health care.