Protecting Dignity: Behavioral Health Case Management with the ICE Health Service Corps

In the high-stakes environment of federal detention centers, the role of mental health professionals is more vital than ever. The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently inviting applications for the position of Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet). This role represents a career-defining opportunity for licensed clinicians to provide essential oversight and case coordination within the Department of Homeland Security.

Job Responsibilities

As a Behavioral Health Case Manager, you will serve as a primary contact for clinical operations within your assigned area. Your daily duties will include:

Case Coordination: Managing and monitoring high-risk individuals and conducting independent mental health reviews.
Clinical Consultation: Providing expert consultation to custody and medical staff regarding behavioral health needs.
Policy Compliance: Ensuring all activities align with ICE National Detention Standards and evidence-based treatment practices.
Reporting and Analysis: Developing detailed reports for agency leadership, assessing compliance, and investigating behavioral health complaints.
Continuity of Care: Facilitating discharge planning and ensuring complex health needs are met during transitions.

Core Duty Comparison

Function	Focus Area	Impact
Clinical Review	Individual Needs	Ensures appropriate care placement
Site Visits	Facility Standards	Maintains detention healthcare compliance
Stakeholder Reporting	Leadership	Informs policy and operations

Requirements

This position requires a high level of clinical expertise. Candidates must be U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers or qualified for Call to Active Duty (CAD). Mandatory qualifications include:

Education: An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program or a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
Licensure: An active, unrestricted clinical license to practice independently.
Experience: A minimum of three years of clinical practice at the independent level.
Certifications: Active BLS for Healthcare Providers; must earn CCM certification within 18 months of hire.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a robust federal salary, with a range extending up to $150,000 annually. Beyond the salary, officers benefit from the comprehensive support structure of the USPHS, including health insurance, federal retirement planning, and professional development opportunities provided within the uniformed service framework.

Application Tips

Refine your CV: Clearly document your post-licensure experience as an independent practitioner.
Highlight Specialized Skills: If you have experience in correctional health or are fluent in Spanish, ensure this is front and center.
Prepare Documentation: Have your eOPF records, past performance appraisals, and licensure verification ready to upload upon initial application.

If you are a driven clinical social worker or psychologist looking to serve in a capacity that challenges your skills and rewards your commitment to public service, this Behavioral Health Case Manager role is an excellent path forward. By bridging the gap between clinical care and facility operations, you play a pivotal role in the mission of the ICE Health Service Corps. We encourage all eligible USPHS officers to review the requirements and submit their applications through the USAJOBS portal.

Why This Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters

Make a measurable impact in behavioral health: Support those in ICE custody as a specialized Behavioral Health Case Manager within the USPHS Commissioned Corps.

Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking dedicated behavioral health professionals to fill Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) positions. This role is critical to the delivery of mental health services for individuals in immigration detention. You will provide essential oversight, case management, and clinical guidance to ensure that detainees receive evidence-based care while maintaining compliance with national detention standards. This opportunity is exclusively available to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates, offering a unique chance to serve at the intersection of public health and federal law enforcement.

Requirements for Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

Must be a U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer or a qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program OR a PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology.
Current, active, unrestricted clinical license to practice independently in a U.S. state or territory.
Minimum of three years of post-licensure experience where independent practice is recognized.
Current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification (American Heart Association).
Must obtain NASW Board Certification in Case Management or Case Manager Certification (CCM) within 18 months of hire.
Ability to pass a Critical-Sensitive/High Risk background investigation and drug test.

Preferred Qualifications for Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

Prior experience working in detention, correctional, or residential healthcare settings.
Verbal and written proficiency in both English and Spanish.
Graduate program in Clinical Psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (for Psychologists).
Familiarity with ICE National Detention Standards (NDS) and Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical privileging
✓Federal retirement and benefits package for Commissioned Corps officers
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Travel and professional expense coverage for official duty

💡 How to Apply Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Behavioral Health Case Manager (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Compile required documentation: Cover letter, CV, degree transcripts, professional licenses, and performance appraisals (for current USPHS).
Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline.
Monitor application status via the USAJOBS 'Application Status' dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your CV explicitly highlights independent clinical experience to demonstrate you meet the three-year threshold.
Tailor your cover letter to clearly state your location preferences.
Double-check that your license information is current and active in the system.
Submit your application well ahead of the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Ensure all professional certifications are uploaded in the specific designated document sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This position is strictly limited to active U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) applicants.

Is travel required for this role?

Yes, approximately 25% travel is expected, which may include temporary duty assignments to assist at IHSC-staffed facilities with critical staffing needs.

What is the certification requirement for the case management aspect?

All incumbents must obtain either the NASW Board Certification in Case Management or the CCM credential through the Commission for Case Manager Certification within 18 months of starting the role.

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) relies on the ICE Health Service Corps to provide professional healthcare to individuals in immigration custody. The mission is grounded in the delivery of quality, evidence-based care while adhering to national detention standards. As a key component of DHS, ICE focuses on smart immigration enforcement and public safety, ensuring that every individual in its care receives respectful and medically necessary services.