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). This is a non-supervisory position.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
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). This is a non-supervisory position.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
Serves as field expert on BHU policy workgroup team.
Participate in mental health initiatives and competency training.
Works in conjunction with KBHU Program Manager, HSA, Regional Behavior Health Unit (RBHU) Chief and Behavioral Health Consultants in responding to Civil Rights Civil Liberties (CRCL) findings.
Provides input regarding the mental health process review.
Promote a multidisciplinary approach from a treatment standpoint.
Attend BHU bi-monthly meetings.
Identify challenges that impede provider productivity and offer solutions to RBHU
Travel to Headquarters (HQ) for training and education, as required.
Provides psychological assessment and evaluation of detainees.
Provides appropriate referral to outside treatment facilities for those cases of extremely severe mental disturbance referring such detainees to the appropriate mental health facility for intensive mental health care.
Provides identification and evaluation for those identified as having a significant mental illness using Mental Health Review form (IHSC-883).
Provides on-site counseling, psychotherapy, behavioral analysis, substance abuse education, and therapy as required.
Facilitates individual, group therapy and psychoeducational programs to detainees diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
Possesses a high level of skill in providing a full range of services to include assessing, recognizing, and treating problems related to adjustment, maladaptive behavior. complex differential diagnosis, psychotic spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders (including PTSD), affective disorders, substance use disorders, and medical comorbidities or other conditions.
Determines the need for and provide direct mental health services to detainees with identified mental health and substance abuse problems utilizing psycho educational and treatment modalities as appropriate in the treatment of mental disorders.
Assists the Clinical Director/Designees in providing orientation and guidance to medical staff in Detoxification of Chemically Dependent detainees and actions to take if a detainee is suspected of being chemically dependent on drugs or alcohol upon intake or during custody.
Reports status to a physician if the expected outcome of drug therapy is not being achieved.
Utilizes the multi-disciplinary approach in the treatment planning process for detainees identified with mental health problems.
Provides consultation to medical, ICE, contract staff regarding issues that include, but are not limited to risk assessment for violence, housing recommendations for handling difficult demanding, and mentally ill detainees.
Serves as a mental health and substance abuse consultant within the facility.
Provides education and training to ICE and medical staff in the area of mental health to include, but not limited to, suicide prevention, hunger strike, abuse and neglect and victims of torture.
Facilitates contacts between the detainee patient and his/her social support systems.
Establishes and maintains liaison with other health services professionals and mental health organizations.
Assists in preparation towards accreditation/compliance.
Assists the local performance improvement coordinator in completion of clinical performance improvement/risk identification and management directly related to mental health.
Participates in the local performance improvement committee.
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 (Seriously Mental Illness List).
Coordinates alongside Headquarters (HQ) mental health unit for continuity of care for placement in, or treatment of, detainees in appropriate settings as required by the conditions of release outlined by ICE.
Responsible for all case management which may involve community treatment placement, hospital placement, or other after care situations.
Utilizes Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for completing treatment authorization request, case entry and exit reports.
Participate in quarterly peer review.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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
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:
Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile.
Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detainees or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling or carrying someone who weighs significantly more oneself).
Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary.
Must easily alternate between kneeling and standing.
Must perform the duties of my job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
Education
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Requires a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology from a graduate program in Psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association or a Master's degree (LCSW or LMSW) in Social Work from a graduate program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Worker Education (CSWE).
Minimum of 5 years of experience.
Holds 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 (MSW). Psychologist must meet requirements for inclusion in the National Registry of Psychologist Providers if graduated after 1 January 1982.
Social Work - Knowledge of the case management process commensurate with training and education at the MSW level.
Psychologist - Knowledge of specific functions of Psychology to include, but not limited to: Observation, Description, Testing, Evaluation, Interpretation, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Knowledge of the indications and contraindications, complications and techniques in the various psychiatric treatment and diagnostic modalities.
Experience in conducting group therapy preferred.
Experience in Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is preferred.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Flexible and able to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
Experience in a correctional setting is preferred.
Bilingual English and Spanish speaker preferred.
Credentialed and privileged with a current, permanent, full and unrestricted license to practice psychology or social work in any state jurisdiction.
Additional information
The KBHU is a 30-bed behavioral health residential unit, within the Krome Service Processing Center (SPC). The KBHU treats detainees with serious mental health needs, and detainees who exhibit debilitating symptoms of psychological distress and/or disorders. The KBHU provides subacute evidence-based and individualized treatment and services utilizing a Modified Therapeutic Community model to improve patient health outcomes.
As KBHU Provider, the incumbent is responsible for assessing, evaluating, and treating the mental health of detainees at the KBHU and supporting the overall Krome behavioral health/IHSC mission. Referring to outside treatment facilities if necessary. Additionally, the Behavioral Health Provider collects and reports pertinent mental health data.
IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1,400 employees, including U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) commissioned officers, federal civil servants, and contract staff. The IHSC provides on-site direct patient care to ICE detainees at 23 detention facilities throughout the country and manages the provision of off-site medical care for detainees housed in approximately 240 additional Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) facilities. The ICE detainee population is approximately 34,000 detainees on a daily basis, with an average length of stay of approximately 30 days, and over 400,000 detainees annually. The IHSC also provides medical support during ICE enforcement operations in the air, on the ground and at sea.
DHS SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
DHS
ICE
ERO
HHS SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
DHHS
USPHS CC
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The Behavioral Health Provider works under the general supervision of the Health Services Administrator and receives clinical supervision from the Clinical Director or Behavioral Health Consultant at HQ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 01/27/2025.
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.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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:
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 01/27/2025.
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.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
