Become a Leader in Behavioral Health: Supervisory Opportunity with the ICE Health Service Corps

Are you a seasoned mental health professional looking to combine your clinical expertise with a leadership role that makes a tangible difference? The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently seeking a Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) to join their team in Alexandria, Louisiana. This position offers a unique pathway for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers to serve in a critical mission, ensuring that individuals in custody receive high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health care.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider, your role is multifaceted, blending direct patient care with strategic administrative oversight. You will serve as the lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) at the facility level. Key duties include:

Clinical Leadership: Providing clinical oversight for behavioral health staff, ensuring adherence to policy and quality standards.
Assessment & Treatment: Conducting biopsychosocial assessments and developing individualized care plans for patients with mental health and substance abuse needs.
Policy & Compliance: spearheading mental health initiatives, managing suicide prevention programs, and ensuring compliance with healthcare accreditation standards.
Training: Developing facility-specific training to bridge gaps in clinical competencies.
Consultation: Providing expert mental health consultation to facility staff and management regarding risk assessment and patient management.

Requirements

This role is rigorous and requires specific professional credentials. Candidates must be:

Qualified Professionals: Must possess a PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology or an MSW from an accredited institution.
Licensed: You must hold a current, full, independent, and unrestricted clinical license in any U.S. State or jurisdiction.
Experienced: Candidates need a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience and at least 2 years in a supervisory/administrative capacity.
Physically Capable: Due to the detention environment, you must be able to perform physical tasks such as standing, kneeling, and lifting/moving up to 30 pounds.

Comparison Table: Psychologist vs. Social Worker Requirements

Feature	Clinical Psychologist	Clinical Social Worker
Degree Required	PhD or PsyD (APA Accredited preferred)	Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Licensure	Doctoral-level Independent License	Master-level Clinical Independent License
Focus	Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment	Case Management and Psychotherapy

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary of up to $150,000. As an officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, you will receive standard military-grade benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous leave allowances, and robust retirement planning options. Additionally, serving with the IHSC provides an unparalleled opportunity for professional development within the federal government.

Application Tips

Tailor Your CV: Ensure your USPHS Promotion CV highlights your leadership in behavioral health and specific accomplishments in program management.
Verify Licensure: Ensure your license status is documented as "active and unrestricted" in your application packet.
Prepare References: Have three professional references ready who can speak to both your clinical prowess and your leadership abilities.
Review Documentation: Follow the USAJOBS prompts precisely, placing your documents in the designated placeholders to ensure the HR team can easily evaluate your credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a remote position? A: No, this is an on-site position based in Alexandria, Louisiana, requiring presence at the detention facility.

Q: How long does the hiring process take? A: The agency aims to extend job offers within 60 days of the application closing date, though timelines can vary based on security clearance and background check processing.

Q: Can I apply if I am not a USPHS officer? A: This position is specifically designated for current USPHS officers or those eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD).

If you are a driven mental health leader looking to apply your skills in a high-impact environment, this role with the ICE Health Service Corps offers a rewarding career path. By combining clinical excellence with administrative leadership, you will help shape the standard of care for detainees while advancing your career within the uniformed services. Apply today and take the next step in your public service journey.

Why This Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Supervisory Job Matters

Advance your career in clinical leadership with the ICE Health Service Corps in Alexandria, Louisiana, while serving your country as a U.S. Public Health Service officer.

Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Supervisory Job Overview

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) to oversee clinical performance, program administration, and behavioral health initiatives at an ICE detention facility in Alexandria, Louisiana. This leadership role is designed specifically for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates, focusing on the delivery of integrated mental health care for detainees. You will provide critical clinical oversight, manage staff, lead suicide prevention efforts, and ensure compliance with high-level behavioral health policies within an austere, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Supervisory

Must be a U.S. Public Health Service officer or an eligible Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology (APA accredited program preferred) OR Master’s Degree in Social Work (CSWE accredited program).
Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience.
Minimum of 2 years of supervisory/administrative experience.
Current, full, independent, and unrestricted clinical license to practice in any U.S. State, District of Columbia, or territory.
Ability to obtain and maintain clinical privileging by IHSC.
Must pass a critical-sensitive (CS) high-risk background investigation and drug test.
Ability to perform physical duties, including walking, standing, kneeling, and lifting up to 30 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications for Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Supervisory

Previous professional experience within a correctional or secure detention facility setting.
Proven track record in managing interdisciplinary teams and clinical program implementation.
Experience with accreditation compliance and clinical performance improvement activities.
Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office suite.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary up to $150,000 per year.
✓Service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
✓Relocation assistance as authorized.
✓Opportunity to impact national security through health service delivery.

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

Application Steps for Behavioral Health Provider (O-5 Billet) Supervisory Job

Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare your required documents, including your CV, professional licenses, and performance appraisals.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all necessary credentials as specified in the job announcement.
Submit your application before the closing date of September 30, 2027.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal for interview requests or further updates.

💡 General Tips

Submit your application well before the deadline to ensure all technical requirements are met.
Ensure your license is clearly documented as 'full, independent, and unrestricted.'
Clearly outline your supervisory experience in your CV/Resume.
For IHSC USPHS officers, confirm your Assignment Pay (AP) status and include the required memo if applicable.
Double-check that all three professional references are current and reachable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This position is exclusively open to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and those eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD) status.

What level of security clearance is required?

The position is classified as Critical-Sensitive (CS) High Risk and requires the successful completion of a comprehensive suitability and fitness background investigation.

Does this position require travel?

Yes, travel may be required for training, educational purposes, or administrative assignments as requested by the IHSC Behavioral Health Unit.

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) relies on the mission-critical work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Within ICE, the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) stands as the primary provider of direct patient care. With a multidisciplinary workforce of over 1,600 personnel—including USPHS commissioned officers, federal employees, and contractors—the IHSC ensures that health care standards are maintained across a vast network of detention facilities nationwide. Joining this team means contributing to a vital national security effort by managing the health and welfare of a unique patient population.