Serving on the Frontlines: Senior Behavioral Health Provider (MAST) at ICE Health Service Corps
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) plays a pivotal role in the Department of Homeland Security's mission, providing essential medical and mental health care within detention facilities. As a Senior Behavioral Health Provider on the Medical Asset Support Team (MAST), you will function as a vital resource for both patients and leadership. This position offers a unique blend of direct clinical care, administrative leadership, and crisis management, making it an ideal role for experienced clinicians seeking to impact the national health mission.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will balance patient care with operational support:
- Clinical Care: Conduct intake screenings, risk assessments, and develop treatment plans for detainees.
- Crisis Management: Provide on-site behavioral health triage and intervention during emergencies.
- Consultation: Serve as a subject matter expert for facility leadership on risk assessment and housing recommendations.
- Administrative Support: Assist in policy development, data collection for quality assurance, and staff training.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Skill Category | Primary Function | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Care | Direct Patient Treatment | High |
| Administrative | Policy & Guideline Development | High |
| Operational | Crisis Response & Travel | Critical |
Requirements
- Must be a USPHS officer or a CAD candidate.
- Current, unrestricted license as a Clinical Psychologist or Independent Social Worker.
- Minimum of 3 years of clinical behavioral health experience.
- Ability to meet physical demands, including emergency responses and lifting.
- Willingness to perform TDY travel (approx. 50% of time).
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range reaching up to $150,000 per year, commensurate with your grade and USPHS compensation structures.
Benefits
Working within the IHSC provides professionals with the benefits afforded to Public Health Service officers, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities in a high-impact environment.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your CV: Use your USPHS Promotion CV to clearly map your experience to the required skills.
- Upload All Documents: Missing a single item, such as your COERs or license verification, will result in an incomplete application.
- Follow Procedures: Use the official USAJOBS application portal exclusively. Do not attempt to email documents to the recruiting office.
If you are a licensed behavioral health professional with a commitment to public service and mission-driven work, this O-5 billet with the Medical Asset Support Team is an outstanding career path. Prepare your application thoroughly and prepare to contribute to the complex and important work of the ICE Health Service Corps.
Why This Senior Behavioral Health Provider, Medical Asset Support Team (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Join the elite Medical Asset Support Team and provide critical behavioral health care where it matters most, supporting the mission of the ICE Health Service Corps.
Senior Behavioral Health Provider, Medical Asset Support Team (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking a Senior Behavioral Health Provider (O-5) to join the Medical Asset Support Team (MAST). This vital, non-supervisory role requires a dedicated professional to provide direct mental health services to detainees, facilitate crisis intervention, and offer clinical guidance across various IHSC-staffed facilities. This position involves significant travel (approximately 50%) and is exclusively open to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and qualified Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Requirements for Senior Behavioral Health Provider, Medical Asset Support Team (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer or a Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
- Master’s degree in Social Work or a Doctoral degree in Psychology.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license in any U.S. State, District of Columbia, or territory (Clinical Psychologist or Social Work Independent Practice).
- Minimum of three years of clinical behavioral health experience.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Critical-Sensitive/High Risk security clearance.
- Must pass a drug screening test.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 30 lbs and assisting detainees during emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Behavioral Health Provider, Medical Asset Support Team (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Prior experience in correctional or detention healthcare environments.
- Proficiency in the Spanish language.
- Familiarity with NCCHC and PBNDS accreditation standards.
- Strong background in trauma-informed care and substance abuse treatment.
- Extensive experience with electronic health record systems and Microsoft Office suite.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package for commissioned officers.
- ✓Professional development and mentorship opportunities.
- ✓Participation in national clinical guideline development.
- ✓Contribution to mission-critical public health operations.
💡 How to Apply Senior Behavioral Health Provider, Medical Asset Support Team (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Behavioral Health Provider, Medical Asset Support Team (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Gather and upload required documentation, including USPHS Promotion CV or resume, professional licenses, and three professional references.
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on November 5, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your CV clearly highlights your clinical experience and behavioral health specializations.
- Submit all required documents, including COERs and evidence of your USPHS status, to avoid disqualification.
- Double-check your email address to ensure you receive important status updates.
- If you are a CAD candidate, ensure your Appointment Board Decision Letter is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much travel is required for this position?
Travel is a core requirement, typically comprising 50% of your duty time. This includes both domestic and international assignments, often on short notice.
Who is eligible to apply for this role?
This vacancy is restricted to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and those pursuing a Call to Active Duty (CAD) appointment.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is a field-based role that requires frequent travel to IHSC-staffed facilities nationwide.
What is the security clearance level?
The position is designated as Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk, requiring a thorough background investigation.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
As a sub-agency of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the IHSC manages the health care of a diverse detainee population. By combining public health principles with correctional clinical care, the IHSC ensures that detainees receive appropriate medical, dental, and behavioral health support. Joining the MAST team means you are joining a select cadre of professionals dedicated to maintaining high standards of care across various environments.