Health Application Services Program Officer, Pharmacist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. IHSC-HITU-HASPOP-O5-NS-2025 Department Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Salary $1.00 to $150,000.00 Grade 5 to 5
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/4/2025 Close Date 2/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


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 Administration, Health Information and Technology Unit (HITU) - Information Management Section, Health Application Services Office (HASO). This position is non-supervisory.

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

This job is open to

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:

  1. Serve as the primary liaison for EHR improvements, collaborating with Specialty Units (e.g., Medical, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dental, Behavioral Health) to ensure system functionalities align with clinical workflows and patient safety protocols.
  2. Oversee the configuration and maintenance of EHR tools, including templates, Smart Forms, Order Sets, Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), and Provider Alerts, ensuring compliance with clinical and regulatory standards while driving continuous system improvements.
  3. Review, revise, and approve all EHR Computer-Based Trainings (CBT) and training plans to ensure comprehensive, effective user education.
  4. Lead User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for new EHR features and oversee clinical and EHR-related training via IHSC's platform, ensuring all training content reflects current clinical best practices.
  5. Partner with the Pharmacy Rx_IT Team and Pharmacy Leads to resolve issues, update workflows, and train staff on the electronic Medical Administration Record (eMAR), supporting medication workflows and the integration of medical systems.
  6. Perform continuous data validation and monitoring to enhance patient safety, improve clinical outcomes, and ensure data accuracy within the EHR system.
  7. Conduct training on EHR updates, clinical documentation standards, and workflow changes. Develop training plans, update end-user guides, and assess compliance through follow-up evaluations and remote assessments.
  8. Lead change management initiatives during EHR system upgrades, develop training content and support staff transitions to updated processes.
  9. Provide technical expertise for EHR enhancements and assist in the creation of governance documents, including Performance Work Statements and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans, for upcoming projects.
  10. Oversee future EHR system releases with contract vendors, ensuring technical accuracy, system readiness, and seamless implementation.
  11. Collaborate with the HASO Supervisory Lead on complex personnel and operational challenges, proposing and implementing effective solutions.
  12. Develop and maintain IHSC User Guides, ensuring they accurately reflect current clinical processes and workflows, with timely updates for any changes.
  13. Support the reporting and prioritization of system issues by working closely with the IHSC team and vendors to develop efficient processes.
  14. Provide strategic recommendations for system enhancements by assessing computing needs and system requirements in collaboration with the EHR Program team.
  15. Contribute to the preparation of governance documents, including Performance Work Statements, Statements of Work, and other contract management files, for EHR projects.
  16. Actively participate in all EHR-related meetings, contributing insights and ensuring alignment with project goals.
  17. Follow the supervisory chain of command in all activities, maintaining clear communication and adherence to established protocols.
  18. Perform other duties as assigned, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to organizational needs.

Requirements

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.
  • Service Remaining Requirement Agreement: Upon appointment to this position, officers will be required to serve an 18 to 24-month commitment to IHSC.
  • 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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  1. Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods (6-8 hours per day).
  2. High precision in computer operation and handling integrated medical devices.
  3. Frequent, extended use of telephone and virtual platforms.
  4. Willingness to travel up to 40% for on-site training and support.

Education

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  1. Doctorate in Pharmacy with relevant clinical experience, and a minimum of four years of proven practice demonstrating advanced administrative and leadership capabilities.
  2. Minimum of four years of experience in Health IT, ideally with a focus in clinical informatics.
  3. Knowledge and experience in contract management, with COR Level II certification preferred; certification must be obtained within three years of hiring.
  4. Demonstrated experience in project or program management, with FAC-P/PM Level II certification required within three years of hiring.
  5. Strong data management skills, including analysis, quality improvement, and validation within EHR systems to ensure efficient and safe clinical workflows.
  6. In-depth understanding of medical, administrative, ethical, and legal standards related to healthcare delivery and patient privacy.
  7. Comprehensive knowledge of healthcare regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, ACA, NCCHC, Joint Commission) concerning medical information storage, communication, and compliance.
  8. Strong understanding of program policies, guidelines, and operational procedures related to medical information management.
  9. For incumbents holding a clinical license, maintaining currency as required by the licensing or certifying body is essential. The position may necessitate clinical duties within the incumbent's licensed scope during critical agency needs.
  10. Familiarity with the structure and function of various government levels, particularly in healthcare information communication and compliance contexts.
  11. Proven ability to create precise and impactful high-stakes communications, such as congressional reports and responses, ensuring the clear conveyance of complex information.
  12. Ability to manage shifting schedules and evolving project demands, responding adeptly to the dynamic needs of healthcare and IT environments.
  13. Demonstrated competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
  14. Effective communication skills in both written and oral formats, with the ability to edit and format documents per agency style guides and federal plain language requirements.
  15. Capability to professionally and effectively collaborate with various IHSC, ERO, ICE, DHS offices, and management levels.
  16. High degree of independence and initiative with the ability to manage sensitive, complex program issues. Proficiency in assessing, planning, organizing, and completing multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously while ensuring integrity and quality.

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 Administration, Health Information and Technology Unit (HITU) - Information Management Section (IMS), Health Application Services Office (HASO). This is a non-supervisory role.

The incumbent will oversee, and support initiatives related to the IHSC Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, network upgrades, interoperability, operational efficiency, SharePoint updates, and IT modernization projects. This role is critical in advancing secure, high-quality healthcare technology solutions for IHSC's nationwide operations.

IHSC employs a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1,600 personnel, including U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) commissioned officers, federal civil servants, and contract staff. IHSC provides on-site direct patient care to ICE detainees at 18 detention facilities across the country and manages off-site medical care for detainees housed in approximately 128 additional non-IHSC facilities. The ICE detainee population averages about 28,000 individuals daily, with an average length of stay of approximately 30 days, and serves over 270,000 detainees annually. IHSC also provides medical support for ICE enforcement operations across air, land, and sea.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
This position operates under the direct supervision of the Health Application Services Office Supervisory Lead, in accordance with the established supervisory chain within DHS, ICE, ERO, and IHSC. The Health Application Services Program Officer reports directly to the Supervisory Lead within IHSC and is expected to demonstrate autonomy, initiative, and effective communication with senior management and external stakeholders to meet program objectives.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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.

Required Documents

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

  1. Cover Letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here.
  2. Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
  3. Professional license. (If applicable)
  4. Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
  5. Three professional references. (i.e., name, title and contact information)
  6. Official USPHS Promotion CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "Resume")
    • You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
  7. A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
  8. *Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
  9. For IHSC USPHS officers only, a copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
  10. Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement.
New Call to Active Duty
  1. Cover letter/Letter of Interest. Please include location preference here.
  2. Degrees. (Place under "Diploma/GED")
  3. Professional license. (If applicable)
  4. Additional professional certificates. (If applicable)
  5. Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information)
  6. CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training. (Place under "Resume")
  7. 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.

How to Apply

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 02/25/2025.

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

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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