Lead Healthcare Excellence: Regional Section Chief Opportunity with ICE Health Service Corps

Are you a dedicated U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps officer seeking a leadership role where you can significantly impact public health outcomes? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through its U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Health Service Corps (IHSC), is announcing a critical opening for a Regional Section Chief (RSC) within the Field Medical Coordination Unit (FMCU). This senior supervisory position is your chance to direct vital medical coordination efforts, shape healthcare policy, and ensure the well-being of individuals in ICE custody across a designated region. If you possess strong leadership, extensive public health program experience, and a commitment to excellence, this opportunity awaits.

About the Agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) & ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stands as a cornerstone of national security, dedicated to protecting American interests and securing the nation. Its diverse components work collaboratively to prevent terrorism, safeguard borders, secure transportation systems, protect dignitaries, enforce immigration laws, ensure cybersecurity, and build resilience against disasters. DHS offers a vast array of career paths across hundreds of occupations, providing a platform for impactful service.

Within DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plays a crucial role in protecting America from cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety. ICE is the principal investigative arm of DHS and the second-largest investigative agency in the federal government. Its mission focuses on smart immigration enforcement, combating illegal movement of people and goods, and preventing terrorism.

The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is integral to ICE's mission, responsible for ensuring the provision of adequate and appropriate medical care for individuals in ICE custody. IHSC comprises healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering quality medical services in detention settings nationwide. The Field Medical Coordination Unit (FMCU) within IHSC is specifically tasked with overseeing and coordinating medical care delivery through contract facilities, ensuring adherence to policy and standards.

Job Responsibilities: Shaping Regional Healthcare Delivery

As the Regional Section Chief (RSC), you will be entrusted with significant leadership responsibilities, reporting directly to the Chief of the Field Medical Coordination Unit (FMCU). Your primary role will be to supervise Regional Field Medical Coordinators (RFMCs) and provide oversight for Field Medical Coordinators (FMCs) within your assigned region. Key duties include:

• Operational Oversight: Directing RFMCs in managing operations and case management of patients in contract facilities, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to inquiries and taskings.
• Policy and Program Development: Overseeing program activities and policies related to RFMCs, including training, project management, and program development. Assisting in the creation and revision of policies as needed.
• Personnel Management: Serving as the rater for performance evaluations of RFMCs and reviewing evaluations for FMCs in your region. Advising on personnel matters.
• Quality Improvement: Collaborating with the Senior Field Program Administrator (SFPA) to develop, evaluate, and coordinate improvements in systems and processes impacting healthcare integration, risk management, and patient safety.
• Incident Review: Guiding RFMCs in reviewing incidents, sentinel events, and potential litigation matters, performing fact-finding and analysis to resolve complex problems.
• Data Analysis: Conducting continuous data analysis to identify areas for improvement and enhance team collaboration for sound decision-making.
• Liaison and Representation: Serving as an operational liaison for your region, advising leadership on policies impacting workload measurement. Representing the office at various meetings and coordinating boards and presentations.
• Training and Orientation: Providing orientation and training for newly onboarded RFMCs, covering supervisory expectations, operational priorities, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Contract and Staffing Review: Assisting in reviewing contracts and performing staffing analyses for non-IHSC facilities.
• Tasking and Inquiry Oversight: Overseeing the review and approval of ITMS taskings and providing guidance on data analysis for taskings related to legal cases, inquiries from the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Civil Rights & Civil Liberties (CRCL), Office of the Secretary (OSEC), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), congressional, and media requests.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to investigate and respond to high-profile inquiries from Congress, State Senators, and national civil rights groups.
• Interagency Collaboration: Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice and other national and international government agencies to investigate the appropriateness of medical care.
• Disease Surveillance: Overseeing data analysis and reporting of communicable and infectious diseases for the agency, DHS, CDC, HRSA, and working with local, state, and international health departments on plan development and continuity of care.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaising nationally with internal and external stakeholders, including Congress, state senators, national civil rights organizations, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other government agencies.
• Program Improvement: Representing IHSC/FMCU in workgroups focused on program improvement, safety, and quality care with sister agencies and other federal entities.
• Project Management: Managing and overseeing component projects, ensuring efficient resource utilization and leading assigned projects.
• Coverage and Support: Ensuring adequate regional coverage during absences (TDY, leave) and providing support for Unit Chief, other RSCs, and RFMCs as needed. Occasional TDY for clinical support at facilities with critical staffing needs may be required.
• After-Hours Availability: Being available after hours via cell phone or email to address urgent issues and provide updates to IHSC leadership.

Requirements: Qualifications for Leadership

To be considered for this critical leadership role, candidates must meet the following stringent requirements:

• Commissioned Officer Status: Must be a current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps officer. (Note: Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible).
• Education: A Graduate degree in Nursing, Business Administration, Finance, Health Care Management, or a related field is required.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 6 years of professional experience relevant to the officer's category is necessary. This must include at least 4 years of experience specifically related to the management, administration, or evaluation of public health programs.
• Case Management Experience: Two years of case management experience is mandatory. Experience in developing case management programs based on evidence-based practice models within IHSC/FMCU is highly preferred.
• Clinical Licensure: Must hold a license as a Registered Nurse or be an Advanced Practice Provider with substantial direct patient care experience, ideally gained within a correctional setting such as IHSC or the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
• License and Certification Maintenance: Incumbents are responsible for fulfilling all obligations of their licensing or certifying body to maintain currency.
• Clinical Readiness: This position may necessitate performing clinical activities within the scope of the incumbent's license during periods of critical agency need.
• Specialized Certifications: Preference is given to candidates who have achieved and actively maintain status as a Certified Managed Care Nurse, ANCC Board Certified Nurse Case Manager, or a Certified Case Manager through the Commission for Case Manager Certification. If not already possessed, these certifications must be obtained within 36 months of onboarding.
• Professional Affiliations: Active membership in the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) and MCG certification are considered advantageous.
• Knowledge Base: Required knowledge includes case management principles within the government and healthcare sectors, understanding of ICE and IHSC program policies, guidelines, and operating procedures, and proficiency in policy development.
• Core Competencies: Demonstrated strength in leadership, supervision, interpersonal communication, organizational and time management, problem-solving, judgment, decision-making, integrity, honesty, and cultural competency.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Excel, SharePoint) is preferred. Experience in reviewing, writing, and revising policies, guidelines, and procedures is also valuable.
• Readiness: Must maintain basic readiness status and current CPR/BLS certification.

Salary Overview

This supervisory position offers a competitive annual salary, with the maximum range set at $150,000 per year. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific details of their commission within the USPHS.

Benefits

As a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officer in this role, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. These typically include:

• Competitive Pay: An attractive annual salary up to $150,000.
• Health Coverage: Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Retirement Savings: Access to federal retirement savings plans (e.g., Thrift Savings Plan).
• Insurance: Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued training, certifications, and career advancement.
• Service Benefits: The unique benefits associated with serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, including loan repayment programs, housing allowances, and opportunities for global health engagement.

For detailed information on USPHS benefits, please visit USPHS Salary and Benefits.

Application Steps: Your Path to This Leadership Role

Applying for this significant leadership position requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to submit your complete application:

1. Access USAJOBS: Navigate to the USAJOBS website and click the 'Apply Online' button. You will need to create a new USAJOBS account or log in to your existing one.
2. Complete the Occupational Questionnaire: Answer all questions within the occupational questionnaire accurately and thoroughly.
3. Submit Questionnaire Answers: Crucially, ensure you click the 'Submit My Answers' button at the end of the questionnaire process.
4. Upload Required Documents: A complete application package is essential. Upload the following documents:
   • Cover Letter/Letter of Interest (specifically for USPHS Officers).
   • Degrees (upload under the 'Diploma/GED' section).
   • Professional License (if applicable).
   • Additional professional certificates (if applicable).
   • Three professional references (include name, title, and contact information).
   • Official USPHS Promotion CV (upload under the 'USPHS Promotion CV' section). This should detail your relevant experience, education, and training.
   • Optional: A civilian resume can be submitted in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
   • Copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
   • Your three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COERs) (upload under the 'Performance Appraisal' section).
   • For current IHSC PHS officers: A copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement. If you do not have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement, submit a memo attesting to this fact.
5. Final Submission: Ensure all documents are uploaded and the application is fully submitted by the closing deadline of November 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Important Note: Applications and supporting documents will NOT be accepted by mail or email. If you require assistance, contact the Human Resources representative listed on the announcement at least one day prior to the closing date.

Application Tips for Success

To maximize your chances of being considered for this role, keep these tips in mind:

• Read Carefully: Thoroughly review the 'Required Documents' section and adhere strictly to all instructions regarding document types and upload locations.
• Comprehensive CV: Your USPHS Promotion CV is critical. Ensure it is detailed and highlights all relevant experience, leadership roles, training, and accomplishments.
• Clarity on AP Agreements: If you are a current IHSC officer, clearly address the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement requirement as instructed.
• Valid Contact Information: Double-check that your email address listed in your USAJOBS profile is current and accurate. All notifications will be sent electronically.
• Timeliness: Submit your application well in advance of the closing date. Avoid last-minute submissions to prevent potential technical issues.
• Completeness is Key: Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration or may be deemed ineligible.
• Seek Assistance Early: If you have questions, reach out to the designated HR contact well before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Who is eligible to apply for this position?	This position is exclusively open to current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps officers. USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible.
Can I choose my work location?	The position location is negotiable after selection. A list of potential major U.S. cities is provided in the announcement from which a location may be selected.
What is the salary range for this position?	The maximum salary listed is $150,000 per year. The specific salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and commission details.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Regional Section Chief?	The RSC supervises Field Medical Coordinators, oversees healthcare delivery in contract facilities, contributes to policy development, manages training, collaborates with stakeholders, conducts data analysis, reviews incidents, and acts as a regional liaison.
Are there specific educational or professional requirements?	Yes. A graduate degree in a relevant field, at least 6 years of professional experience (including 4 years in public health program management/administration/evaluation), and licensure as a Registered Nurse or Advanced Practice Provider are required.
Is travel required for this position?	Travel is required for up to 20% of the time. This may include TDY assignments for clinical support at facilities with critical staffing needs.
Is after-hours availability expected?	Yes, availability after hours via cell phone or email is required to address urgent or emergency issues and provide updates to IHSC leadership.
What is the application deadline?	The application deadline is November 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Where can I find more information on USPHS benefits?	Detailed information on USPHS benefits can be found at https://www.usphs.gov/salary-and-benefits.

This Regional Section Chief position represents a significant opportunity for a seasoned USPHS officer to take on a leadership role within the critical mission of the ICE Health Service Corps. By shaping regional healthcare strategies, managing teams, and ensuring the highest standards of care, you will contribute directly to the safety and well-being of individuals in ICE custody and uphold the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. If you are ready to apply your expertise and leadership skills in a challenging and rewarding federal service environment, we encourage you to submit your application by the deadline.