Behavioral Health Provider: A Vital Role within the ICE Health Service Corps
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently seeking compassionate and highly skilled Behavioral Health Providers to join their mission in Pearsall, Texas. As a critical component of the Department of Homeland Security, the IHSC provides essential medical and mental health care to detained non-citizens. This position is a unique opportunity for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) applicants to serve in a challenging, mission-critical environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Behavioral Health Provider, your day-to-day operations will be both varied and impactful. You will be expected to:
- Conduct thorough behavioral health assessments, evaluations, and diagnoses.
- Provide psychotherapy and substance abuse education using evidence-based modalities.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians and legal counsel, to plan comprehensive care.
- Facilitate continuity of care through referrals to higher levels of psychiatric treatment when clinically indicated.
- Serve as a field expert and provide training on suicide prevention, crisis management, and other behavioral health topics.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an active U.S. Public Health Service officer or CAD candidate.
- A doctoral degree (for Psychologists) or a master’s degree in Social Work (for Social Workers).
- A full, current, and unrestricted state license.
- Demonstrated post-licensure experience commensurate with the O-3, O-4, or O-5 pay grade.
- Ability to meet physical demands, including working in an austere environment and performing emergency physical interventions.
Salary and Comparison Table
The remuneration for this position is competitive, with a range up to $150,000 per year. Below is a comparison of expectations for the different pay grades available:
| Pay Grade | Minimum Post-Licensure Experience | Role Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| O-3 | 2 Years | Clinical Practitioner |
| O-4 | 3 Years | Senior Practitioner |
| O-5 | 4 Years | Expert/Consultant |
Benefits
Employees of the IHSC benefit from the comprehensive federal package associated with Commissioned Corps service, including:
- Competitive salary.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous retirement plans.
- Professional development and specialized training opportunities.
Application Tips
- Ensure your USPHS Promotion CV is up to date and reflects your most relevant clinical experience.
- Submit all requested performance appraisals (COERs) to avoid an incomplete application status.
- Verify your license status in the state of issuance before applying.
Serving as a Behavioral Health Provider for the IHSC offers a career path that combines professional clinical development with a sense of purpose. If you are a qualified USPHS officer looking to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.
Why This Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Advance your career in public health while serving a vital mission. The ICE Health Service Corps is seeking dedicated Behavioral Health Providers to deliver critical mental health care in Pearsall, Texas.
Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) within the Department of Homeland Security is hiring Behavioral Health Providers (non-supervisory) to provide essential mental health assessments, counseling, and crisis intervention for detained non-citizens. This role involves clinical evaluation, treatment planning, and coordinating care within a multidisciplinary team. The position is reserved exclusively for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Requirements for Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a U.S. Public Health Service officer or a Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
- For Psychologists: Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or equivalent) in clinical or counseling psychology.
- For Social Workers: Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Full, current, and unrestricted clinical license in any U.S. State or Territory.
- Minimum post-licensure clinical experience: 2 years (O-3), 3 years (O-4), or 4 years (O-5).
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Ability to perform hazardous duty, including walking, standing for long periods, and emergency physical maneuvers.
- Ability to lift, push, or carry up to 30 pounds.
- Successful completion of a critical-sensitive security background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based treatment modalities.
- Experience in suicide risk management and crisis intervention.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Experience in multidisciplinary clinical environments.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving capabilities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Service as a Commissioned Corps officer
💡 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
- Review the full announcement on USAJOBS.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your application package, including USPHS Promotion CV, current licenses, and references.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Submit all required documentation through the online portal before the closing date.
- Confirm submission via the Application Status link in your account.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure all documentation, such as the Certificate of Investigation and COERs, are correctly labeled and uploaded.
- Submit your application at least 24 hours prior to the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Clearly highlight your clinical experience as it pertains to the O-3, O-4, or O-5 billet requirements.
- Double-check your email address to ensure you receive status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is strictly limited to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and candidates approved for Call to Active Duty (CAD).
What are the physical requirements?
Because this is a hazardous duty assignment, you must be capable of walking and standing for 6-8 hours, performing CPR, and assisting individuals in emergency situations, which may involve lifting or moving up to 30 pounds.
What is the primary work setting?
The role is based in Pearsall, Texas, within a detention facility environment under the ICE Health Service Corps.
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an on-site position located in Pearsall, Texas.*
What type of security clearance is required?
*A: This role is designated as a Critical-Sensitive position requiring a thorough background investigation.*
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps is dedicated to providing high-quality, efficient health care to individuals in the custody of ICE. Working across hundreds of offices nationwide, IHSC clinicians are responsible for safeguarding the health and well-being of the detained population, ensuring that every individual receives appropriate care, regardless of their circumstances.