Serving on the Frontlines: Behavioral Health Provider Careers with IHSC
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) plays a vital role in the Department of Homeland Security, ensuring that detained non-citizens receive necessary medical and mental health care. We are currently looking for a Behavioral Health Provider to join our facility in Tacoma, Washington. This position is perfect for dedicated clinical professionals who are either current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers or individuals qualified for a Call to Active Duty (CAD).
Job Responsibilities
As a Behavioral Health Provider, your day-to-day will involve:
- Clinical Practice: Conducting mental health assessments, diagnosing conditions, and providing psychotherapy.
- Crisis Management: Serving as a point of contact for suicide risk assessment and intervention.
- Coordination: Working with multidisciplinary teams to ensure a continuity of care for patients.
- Policy Support: Contributing to facility-wide behavioral health initiatives and training staff on mental health protocols.
Comparison of Requirements
| Feature | Psychologist | Social Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Required | Doctoral (Ph.D./Psy.D.) | Master's in Social Work (CSWE) |
| Licensure | Unrestricted State License | LCSW/LICSW/LMSW-C |
| Experience (O-3) | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Requirements
Applicants must maintain high standards of ethical conduct and professional competence. You must hold an unrestricted license to practice, undergo a critical-sensitive background check, and be capable of working in an austere, high-stress environment.
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a competitive federal salary, reaching up to $150,000 per year. Beyond the pay, you gain access to the robust benefits package available to USPHS officers, including comprehensive healthcare and career development.
Application Tips
- Documentation: Organize all COERs and license certificates early.
- Submission: Always submit your application ahead of the deadline to avoid technical hurdles.
- Precision: Ensure your CV clearly maps your clinical experience to the duties described.
Serving as a Behavioral Health Provider with IHSC is an opportunity to use your clinical skills where they are needed most. If you are a USPHS officer or a CAD candidate looking for your next challenge in Tacoma, we encourage you to apply.
Why This Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Make a measurable difference in public health and national security as a Behavioral Health Provider for the ICE Health Service Corps.
Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) are seeking dedicated Behavioral Health Providers (O-3/O-4/O-5 billet) to join our team in Tacoma, Washington. This essential, non-supervisory role focuses on providing clinical mental health evaluations, counseling, and crisis intervention for detained non-citizens. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care, develop evidence-based treatment plans, and provide critical mental health consultation within a federal facility. This position is open specifically to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and those pursuing Call to Active Duty (CAD) status.
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: 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.
- Must hold a current, full, and unrestricted state or territory license (LCSW, LICSW, LMSW-C for social workers).
- Minimum of 2 years (O-3), 3 years (O-4), or 4 years (O-5) of post-licensure clinical experience.
- Must pass a critical-sensitive security background investigation.
- Ability to perform essential physical requirements, including walking, standing, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
- Must maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Preferred Qualifications for Behavioral Health Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Proven expertise in evidence-based treatment modalities.
- Experience in crisis intervention and suicide risk management.
- Strong background in multidisciplinary interprofessional collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to function in high-stress, austere environments.
- Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) and clinical documentation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the USPHS
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Contribution to national security and humanitarian missions
- ✓Training and development through the IHSC Behavioral Health Unit
💡 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 all required documentation for USPHS officers or CAD applicants.
- Create or log into your account on the federal employment portal.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents including your CV, professional license, and performance reports.
- Submit your application before the deadline of September 30, 2027.
- Monitor your status via the portal dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Submit your application at least one day before the deadline to account for technical issues.
- Ensure your professional license documentation is clear and current.
- Double-check that all specific USPHS documents (like the COERs or Appointment Board Decision Letter) are uploaded in their designated categories.
- Use the contact email provided if you have specific questions about eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is exclusive to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and candidates pursuing a Call to Active Duty (CAD).
What is the physical nature of this job?
This is a hazardous duty assignment. You must be able to stand/sit for 6–8 hours, perform CPR, and lift up to 30 pounds.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is dedicated to protecting American interests and ensuring public safety. Within DHS, the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) manages healthcare services for thousands of detainees, providing everything from routine medical checkups to complex behavioral health intervention. Working for the IHSC means joining a team of over 20,000 employees committed to mission-critical work in a fast-paced environment.