Advance Your Clinical Career: Behavioral Health Provider with ICE Health Service Corps

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a significant impact? The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently seeking compassionate, resilient, and expert Behavioral Health Providers for a vital role in Los Fresnos, Texas. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve as a commissioned officer, applying your clinical expertise to improve the quality of care for vulnerable populations.

Job Responsibilities

As a Behavioral Health Provider, your primary duties involve the comprehensive care of detained non-citizens. Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Practice: Conducting detailed mental health assessments, evaluations, and providing psychotherapy or counseling.
Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support for suicide risk management and acute mental health distress.
Collaboration: Working within a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and administrative personnel.
Case Management: Coordinating care with higher-level psychiatric facilities and maintaining accurate documentation in electronic medical records.
Education: Providing behavioral health training for both clinical and non-clinical facility staff.

Comparison of Requirements by Rank

Rank	Required Clinical Experience	Degree Requirement
O-3	2 Years	Doctoral (Psy)/Master's (SW)
O-4	3 Years	Doctoral (Psy)/Master's (SW)
O-5	4 Years	Doctoral (Psy)/Master's (SW)

Requirements

To be considered for this critical position, candidates must meet specific professional standards:

Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license in a state or territory is mandatory.
Education: A Doctoral degree in psychology or a Master’s in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Professional Standing: Must be a USPHS officer or qualify for the Call to Active Duty (CAD) program.
Physical Capability: Candidates must be capable of working in a hazardous duty environment, including the physical ability to perform CPR and assist patients as needed.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with your rank (O-3 through O-5), reaching up to $150,000 annually. Beyond the salary, commissioned officers enjoy a comprehensive suite of federal benefits, including healthcare, retirement planning, and service-based incentives.

How to Apply

Prepare Documentation: Gather your license, diplomas, USPHS Promotion CV, and references.
USAJOBS Profile: Log into your account and ensure your contact information is current.
Submission: Use the portal to submit your materials by the specified deadline.
Status Tracking: Use your dashboard to monitor your application status throughout the review process.

Working as a Behavioral Health Provider with the ICE Health Service Corps is a challenging but highly rewarding career path. If you are ready to combine your clinical passion with the pride of federal service, apply today to join our mission in Los Fresnos.

Why This Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters

Advance your clinical career while serving in a mission-critical role within the U.S. Public Health Service, providing vital mental health support to detained populations.

Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking dedicated Behavioral Health Providers to join their team in Los Fresnos, Texas. This non-supervisory position, open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates, focuses on delivering comprehensive mental health assessments, counseling, and case management. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating with medical staff to ensure high-quality care, crisis intervention, and continuity of services for detained non-citizens. This role requires clinical expertise, resilience, and the ability to operate effectively within a high-stakes, federal environment.

Requirements for Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

Must be a U.S. Public Health Service officer or eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD).
Psychologists: Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology.
Social Workers: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Full, current, and unrestricted state or territory license (LCSW, LICSW, LMSW-C, etc. for social workers).
Minimum of 2 to 4 years of post-licensure clinical experience depending on rank (O-3/O-4/O-5).
Valid BLS certification maintained every two years.
Ability to perform in a stressful, austere, and hazardous duty environment.
Must be able to pass a rigorous background and suitability investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

Demonstrated experience in evidence-based treatment modalities.
Advanced proficiency in psychological testing and diagnosis.
Strong background in suicide risk management and crisis intervention.
Excellent interprofessional collaboration skills for multidisciplinary team settings.
Previous experience working within institutional or federal medical environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal benefits package for USPHS commissioned officers.
✓Opportunity to serve in a critical national security and public health role.
✓Professional development and training through IHSC.
✓Access to a collaborative multidisciplinary clinical network.
✓Competitive salary structure for commissioned service.

💡 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 update your account on USAJOBS.
Prepare your documentation package, including your USPHS Promotion CV or resume, professional licenses, and three references.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and all supporting documents through the USAJOBS portal.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard for notifications regarding selection and interview stages.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your CV explicitly highlights post-licensure experience as it directly impacts rank eligibility.
Label all attachments exactly as requested (e.g., placing COERs under 'Performance Appraisal') to prevent processing delays.
If you are a CAD candidate, ensure your Appointment Board Decision Letter or dashboard screenshot is clearly uploaded.
Submit your materials early to ensure technical issues do not prevent meeting the final deadline.
Double-check that your license information is current and clearly visible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to civilians?

No, this role is specifically open to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and candidates eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD).

What is the physical nature of this work?

This is a hazardous duty assignment. You must be able to perform clinical duties while standing or kneeling, walk briskly, and assist with emergency situations, which may include lifting up to 30 pounds.

Does this position involve supervising others?

No, this is a non-supervisory role, though you may be required to serve as a Team Lead in the absence of a designated supervisor.

What if I don't have a USPHS commission?

This position is exclusive to those eligible for service within the U.S. Public Health Service, including current officers and CAD applicants.

Is this a desk job?

While there is administrative work, this is an active, on-site role that requires frequent interaction with patients and clinical environments.

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) provide essential healthcare services, including mental health support, to thousands of detainees across the United States. Our mission is centered on public health, safety, and the professional application of evidence-based care in often challenging and austere environments. Joining the IHSC means becoming part of a highly skilled team committed to clinical excellence and operational readiness.