Summary

This position is located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC), Office of the Deputy Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Behavioral Health Unit (BHU). The incumbent will report directly to the Clinical Director (CD) or facility Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider.

This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate. Civilians are not eligible for this position.

Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Behavioral Health Clinical Practicea.
- Serves as a behavioral health and substance abuse consultant within the facility.
- Conducts behavioral health assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis of detained non-citizens.
- Provides supportive counseling, psychotherapy, substance abuse education, group therapy utilizing psycho-educational and other evidenced based treatment modalities as appropriate (may be delivered in-person or virtually).
- Utilizes the electronic medical record (EMR) to complete clinical documentation, to review and process telephone encounters, etc.
- Promotes and facilitates multidisciplinary (interprofessional collaboration) treatment approach to care for detained non-citizens.
Behavioral Healthcare Planning, Evaluation, and Development
- Coordinates with CD, Health Service Administrator (HSA), Regional Behavioral Health Consultants (RBHC), Behavioral Health Clinical Consultants (BHCC), and Psychiatric Services Program (PSP) in responding to Civil Rights Civil Liberties (CRCL) findings.
- Collaborates with the CD/or designee in providing behavioral health education and guidance to staff related to the care of Chemically Dependent detained noncitizens.
- Reviews reports (i.e., Executive Dashboard) and communicates regularly with CD, HSA, PSP, and BHU HQ team on trends, issues, challenges, etc. and impacts on Behavioral Health operations at the facility level (including, but not limited to, Access to Care, Productivity, Suicide Risk management, etc.) and work collaboratively to address the same.
- Participates in review of behavioral health processes and procedures within the facility; serves on the local performance improvement committee and assists in the completion of clinical performance risk identification/improvement process related to behavioral health; and assists in preparation towards accreditation/compliance.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Behavioral Health Care Coordination
- Maintains ongoing communication with physicians, PSP Providers, and Advanced Practice Providers (APP) and reports on the detained non-citizen's response to and/or compliance with prescribed medication.
- Collaborates using multi-disciplinary team approach to plan and implement treatment for detained non-citizens identified with mental health conditions.
- Coordinates with BHUHQ to facilitate the continuity of care of detained noncitizens.
- Provides referral to higher level of care (HLOC) psychiatric treatment facilities for those cases of serious mental illness (SMI)/disorder, as clinically indicated
- Provides consultation to healthcare staff, custody staff, and ICE for housing recommendations including, but are not limited to, suicide risk management, PREA issues, care of Transgender individuals, and other cases of behavioral health-related specialized needs related of detained non-citizens.
Behavioral Health Case Managment
- Facilitates referral to psychiatric hospitalization, specialized community treatment, residential hospital placement, or other behavioral health-related specialized care service as indicated.
- Works in conjunction with ICE/Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) legal counsel providing written evaluation reports on the mental health status of individuals placed on SMI List.
- Maintains registry of detained non-citizens identified as having SMI and reports the same using Mental Health Review form (IHSC-883).
- Facilitates contacts between the detained non-citizens and their social support systems.
- Establishes and maintains liaison with CD, HSA, PSP, BHU HQ team (RBHC, BHCC, BH Case Managers, BH Medical Assets Support Team), and other IHSC personnel (Field Medical Coordinator, Managed Care Coordinator, etc.), other health services professionals, and mental health organizations to ensure continuity of behavioral health services as indicated.
Team Leadership (non-supervisory)/Administration
- Serves as field expert on BHU policy workgroup team.
- Leads/participates in peer review process as outlined by credentialing guidelines.
- Attends periodic meetings (scheduled and ad-hoc) with BHU HQ as indicated; facilitates new, emerging behavioral health initiatives as aligned with policy.
- Conducts Behavioral Health Provider competency training for behavioral health staff (PHS, civilian, and contractor).
- Provides education and training to ICE and medical staff on a range of behavioral health topics to include, but not limited to, suicide prevention, hunger strike, abuse and neglect, and on victims of torture, etc.,
- Travels to BHU HQ for training and education as required.

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must successfully pass a background investigation.
You must successfully pass a drug screen.
Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate. Civilians are not eligible for this position.

Qualifications

COMPETENCIES:

Superior oral/written communication skills
Leadership skills
Active listening skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills
Integrity/honesty
Cultural competency

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position is considered a hazardous duty assignment.
Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
Required to walk briskly/jog up to quarter mile.
Required to perform CPR/emergency care while standing or kneeling.
Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detained non-citizens or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, pulling, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more oneself to safety)
Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary.
Must easily alternate between kneeling and standing.
Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time [6-8 hours].
Must perform the duties of job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.

Education

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Successful completion of a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical or counseling psychology. Licensure Requirement: A current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Psychology independently offered by a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction is required; or a Master's degree (MSW) in Social Work from a graduate program in social work accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Minimum of 4 years post-licensure clinical experience.
Psychologists and Social Workers must both hold a full, current, and unrestricted licensed by a State or Territory; at the Doctoral level for psychologists and, at the Master's level for social workers (LCSW, LICSW, LMSW-C, or equivalent).
Psychologists should possess knowledge of specific functions of Psychology to include, but not limited to: Psychological Testing, Evaluation, Interpretation, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Knowledge of and experience in techniques of various evidenced-based treatment modalities.
Must maintain full and unrestricted license to practice psychology or social work in any state jurisdiction; and BLS certification.
It is the incumbent's responsibility to fulfill the obligation(s) of their licensing or certifying body to maintain currency. This position may be required to perform clinical activities with the scope of clinical license in times of critical needs within the agency.

Additional information

This position is located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC), Office of the Deputy Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Behavioral Health Unit (BHU). The incumbent will report directly to the Clinical Director (CD) or facility Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider, if designated. The non-supervisory Behavioral Health Provider shall serve as Team Lead if there is no appointed Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider at the facility. The designated Team Lead shall assume all related duties and responsibilities.

As the Behavioral Health Provider, the incumbent is responsible for assessing and evaluating the mental health of detained non-citizens and refer to outside treatment facilities, if necessary. Additionally, the Behavioral Health Provider collects and reports pertinent mental health data.

IHSC provides direct care daily to approximately 15,300 detainees housed at 20 designated facilities throughout the nation. The health care provided includes medical, dental and mental health care, and public health services. IHSC provides medical case management and oversight for an additional 22,600 detainees housed at approximately 112 non-IHSC staffed detention facilities daily across the country. In addition, IHSC oversees the financial authorization and payment for off-site specialty and emergency care services for detainees in ICE custody. The ICE detainee population is approximately 34,000 detainees daily, with an average length of stay of approximately 30 days, surpassing 400,000 detainees annually. IHSC provides medical support during ICE enforcement operations in the air, on the ground and at sea.

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT:
U.S. Public Service Commissioned Corps officers are detailed to Department of Homeland Security as described in a Memorandum of Agreement.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
Incumbent reports to the Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider. If there is no appointed Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider at the facility, the incumbent shall report to the Clinical Director (CD).

Assignments are usually subject to a service remaining requirement (SRR) agreement for a predetermined period of time. Officer reports to the Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider, CD, or designee and organizes work, determines sequence of assignments, selects, and develops methods. When clinically indicated, Behavioral Health Provider seeks assistance from Supervisory Behavioral Health Provider, CD, RBHC, BHCC, etc.

Work is reviewed regularly by those in the chain of command for adherence to clinical standards and attainment of objectives. The officer uses judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines such as DHS/ICE/IHSC policies, regulations, precedents, and work direction for application to specific cases. Officer keeps those in supervisory chain of command informed on the overall status of clinical operations and routinely consults with the same, prioritizing items of high significance for appropriate guidance as indicated.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be selected for an interview at the hiring authority's discretion. You will be notified of selection or non-selection.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position. A complete application includes:

U. S. Public Health Service Officers

Cover Letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references. (i.e., name, title and contact information)
Official USPHS Promotion CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "Resume")
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For IHSC USPHS officers only, a copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement.

New Call to Active Duty

Cover letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here.
Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
Professional license. (If applicable)
Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information)
CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "Resume")
U.S. Public Health Service - Appointment Board Decision Letter/Email.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

To apply for this position, you must submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.

The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2024.

PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.

Agency contact information

IHSC Recruiting

Email

IHSCRecruiting@ice.dhs.gov

Address

ERO-DRO-IHSC Public Health Service
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

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