Providing Elite Care: Advanced Practice Provider Opportunities with the IHSC
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) plays a vital role in ensuring that the detainee population receives high-quality, standardized medical care. We are currently seeking highly skilled Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to serve at the O-3, O-4, and O-5 levels in El Paso, Texas. If you are a member of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) or a Call to Active Duty candidate looking to apply your clinical expertise in a unique and challenging environment, this is your opportunity to serve.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Practice Provider, your daily impact is significant. Responsibilities vary by billet level but generally include:
- Direct Patient Care: Conducting physical examinations, performing minor surgical procedures, and managing behavioral health needs.
- Clinical Oversight: Coordinating with Clinical Directors and other healthcare providers to ensure the continuity of care.
- Administrative Duties: Maintaining accurate medical records, interpreting diagnostic results, and facilitating the onboarding of new clinical staff.
- Emergency Response: Responding to urgent or emergent medical complaints and participating in infection control initiatives.
Comparison of Billet Expectations
| Feature | O-3/O-4 Billet | O-5 Billet |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | New grad to 1+ years | 4+ years of clinical experience |
| Primary Role | Direct patient care | Direct care & supervisory support |
| Mentorship | Receive clinical guidance | Mentoring/Onboarding APP staff |
Requirements
Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted license and maintain current certification. For PAs, this includes NCCPA certification; for NPs, this requires AANP or ANCC board certification. A commitment to physical readiness is also mandatory, as the role involves working in a high-risk, austere setting that may require rapid physical response to emergencies.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with federal standards for commissioned officers, with a maximum range of up to $150,000 per year.
Benefits
- Federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- Opportunities for specialized USPHS training.
- Career mobility within the DHS and USPHS system.
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary clinical team environment.
Application Tips
Success in your application begins with attention to detail. Ensure that all supporting documents are clearly labeled in the USAJOBS portal. Given the specific nature of this announcement, ensure your USPHS Promotion CV clearly delineates your service history and clinical competencies.
Serving as an Advanced Practice Provider within the IHSC is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service and the health of vulnerable populations. Join us in El Paso to advance your career and support the mission of the Department of Homeland Security.
Why This Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Join the elite ranks of the U.S. Public Health Service as an Advanced Practice Provider with the ICE Health Service Corps in El Paso, protecting the health and dignity of a diverse population.
Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking dedicated Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners (O-3/O-4/O-5 billets) to provide comprehensive medical care within the detention environment in El Paso, Texas. This position is strictly reserved for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates. Incumbents will deliver essential healthcare, perform clinical evaluations, and manage treatment plans, acting as a critical component of the federal response to public health and immigration safety.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a U.S. Public Health Service commissioned officer or an approved Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
- For NP: Unrestricted Family or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner state license and national board certification (AANP/ANCC).
- For PA: Accredited bachelor's or master's degree, completion of an ARC-PA accredited program, and NCCPA national certification.
- Valid, unrestricted state license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting over 30 lbs and responding to emergency scenarios in austere environments.
- Must maintain basic readiness for duty and clinical professional skills.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Prior experience in correctional health care settings.
- Advanced certifications such as ACLS and DEA Buprenorphine X Waiver.
- Knowledge of IHSC policies, NCCHC standards, and PBNDS requirements.
- Demonstrated expertise in public health preparedness, infection control, and TB management.
- Supervisory or team lead experience for O-5 level applicants.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- ✓Opportunities for career advancement within the Commissioned Corps
- ✓Direct contribution to national public health and security missions
💡 How to Apply Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Log into your existing USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including USPHS Promotion CV, professional licenses, and cover letter.
- Ensure all documents are correctly categorized (e.g., placing degrees under 'Diploma/GED').
- Submit your application through the portal by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your USPHS Promotion CV specifically highlights your clinical hours and emergency care experience.
- If you are a CAD candidate, ensure your Appointment Board decision letter or AES dashboard screenshot is clearly attached.
- Double-check that all state licenses are current and unrestricted to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Submit at least one day before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
- Clearly label your performance appraisals and CVs as requested in the 'Required Documents' section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This role is exclusively for U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) commissioned officers and candidates currently in the Call to Active Duty (CAD) process.
What is the physical expectation for this job?
The role involves working in an austere environment and requires the physical ability to lift over 30 pounds, perform CPR, and assist with transporting detainees, which may involve physical exertion.
Does this role offer promotion potential?
This specific position is categorized as having no promotion potential; however, professional growth is encouraged through the USPHS officer career track.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The IHSC, a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), provides on-site medical care to ICE detainees at facilities across the country. With a mission rooted in safety, public health, and humanitarian care, our team of commissioned officers and civilian staff manages everything from routine clinical visits to emergency medical response. We operate in over 23 detention facilities, managing over 34,000 detainees daily.