The Deputy Chief of Administration supervises admin staff, supports strategic leadership, manages HR and operational programs, ensures compliance with federal policies, and fosters teamwork. Requires a master's degree (preferred), 5+ years in personnel management, communication, and technical skills, and the ability to obtain a secret clearance
This position is only open to USPHS officers who are current IHSC employees
USPHS Call to Active Duty candidates are not eligible for this position
Summary
The Deputy Chief of Administration supervises admin staff, supports strategic leadership, manages HR and operational programs, ensures compliance with federal policies, and fosters teamwork. Requires a master's degree (preferred), 5+ years in personnel management, communication, and technical skills, and the ability to obtain a secret clearance
This position is only open to USPHS officers who are current IHSC employees
USPHS Call to Active Duty candidates are not eligible for this position
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer who works at IHSC.
USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible for this position.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
The Deputy Chief of Administration supports the Chief in providing leadership and oversight of administrative and personnel functions, ensuring alignment with the mission, policies, and objectives of IHSC and the Chief of Administration Unit. Operating with a high degree of initiative and professionalism, the incumbent assists in resolving complex and sensitive issues by conducting research, analysis, and providing informed recommendations to senior leadership to advance operational effectiveness.
The Deputy Chief collaborates across multidisciplinary teams, supervises administrative staff, and assists in managing key operational areas such as human resources, recruitment, onboarding, and compliance. As a supervisory leader, the Deputy Chief fosters a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring that administrative processes and personnel management consistently meet high standards of quality, integrity, and service.
1. Strategic Leadership and Planning
Assists the Chief in providing strategic leadership and oversight of administrative and personnel functions, ensuring alignment with IHSC's mission, policies, and objectives.
Participates in the development and implementation of recruitment, retention, and staffing strategies for PHS officers, civil servants, and contractors, if needed.
Assists in the development and execution of the unit's strategic business plan and key performance indicators.
Assist the chief with human resources, procurement, budget, and facilities, and ensures compliance with applicable policies, regulations, accreditation standards, and procedures.
2. Personnel and Human Resources Management
Supervises professional, technical, and clerical staff in all aspects of personnel management, including recruitment, onboarding, position management, performance appraisal, awards, separations, retirements, and disciplinary actions.
Ensures compliance with Title 5 and Title 38 hiring practices, PHS policies, and federal regulations.
Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders (DHS Liaison, ICE HR, Commissioned Corps Headquarters, labor unions, etc.) to coordinate and interpret policies, procedures, and personnel actions.
Oversees the central personnel data management system to monitor and track manpower allocations and provide data and reports to senior leadership.
3. Administrative Operations
Assists with oversight of administrative policies, development and review of SOPs, and participation on relevant committees (Policy, Ethics, Labor Relations, etc.).
Manages operational programs such as timekeeping, travel, and performance work plans for all staff.
Ensures integrity and compliance in administrative processes, including audits, training, and dissemination of guidance.
4. Stakeholder and External Relations
Serves as a key liaison and advisor to senior leadership on personnel and administrative matters.
Represents the unit in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, providing updates and briefings on hiring actions, personnel movement, and program status.
Promotes and maintains a collaborative team environment within the unit and across IHSC.
5. Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement
Assists in periodic evaluations of personnel and administrative programs, recommending improvements to ensure operational excellence and compliance.
Oversees awards and recognition programs, new hire orientation, and personnel training for supervisors and staff.
Monitors execution of allocated health care funds and ensures budget submissions are consistent with organizational priorities.
6. Risk Management and Compliance
Ensures compliance with agency, federal, and accreditation standards in all personnel and administrative activities.
Maintains knowledge of trends, changes, and best practices in human resources, healthcare administration, and federal personnel management.
7. Other Duties
Responds to Congressional, FOIA, and other taskings as required.
Serves as Acting Chief as needed.
Occasional travel required, including attendance at recruitment and professional events.
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 a new 18-month commitment to IHSC .
ASSIGNMENT PAY AGREEMENT: You must not have a current Assignment Pay Agreement. However, if you have a current Assignment Pay Agreement, it must be fulfilled within 90 days of your application submission.
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer who works at IHSC.
USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible for this position.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
PHS officers must participate in IHSC TDY On-Call Schedule (ITOS.) ITOS is either an entire month or two 16-day periods a year where, depending on the needs of the agency, the officer is required to be available to serve.
Qualifications
COMPETENCIES:
Leadership Skills
Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills
Demonstrates strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills
Cultural Competency.
Interpersonal Skills.
Strong Oral/Written Communication Skills.
Integrity/Honesty/Ethics.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to perform duties in a fast-paced environment without physical limitations.
Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time [6-8 Hours].
Performing repeated bending motion.
Average manual dexterity for computer operation.
Phone/laptop use for telephonic/virtual meetings for extended periods.
May require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to meetings and conferences.
Education
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Master's degree in human resources, healthcare administration, healthcare management, or a health profession discipline preferred.
Minimum of five years of professional experience in personnel management, with at least three years as a supervisor of multidisciplinary teams.
Minimum of five years of experience in human resources, program management, or evaluation of health programs.
Demonstrated customer service focus and ability to deliver high-quality products and services.
Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with diverse audiences.
Demonstrated integrity, ethical behavior, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to grasp conceptual ideas, use critical thinking skills, and provide sound guidance in complex situations.
High degree of independence, initiative, and timely follow-through on taskings and projects.
Evidence of leadership skills and ability to promote a collaborative team environment.
Ability to provide technical advisory services and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledge of Title 5 and Title 38 hiring practices, PHS policies, and federal personnel regulations.
Experience with conflict resolution, labor relations, and complex employee relation cases.
Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
Proficiency in computerized databases, reporting methodologies, and MS Office applications; SharePoint experience preferred.
If clinically licensed, you must maintain unrestricted license and meet continuing education requirements; may be required to perform clinical duties or participate in TDY rotations as needed.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
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), Division of Administration, Chief of Administration (CoA) Unit. The incumbent reports directly to the Chief, IHSC Chief of Administration. This is a supervisory position.
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 17 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.
The Administration Division coordinates and implements IHSC administrative and managerial functions to support and advance the ICE mission. The Administration Division has oversight of over 1,700 positions that include civil service, Public Health Service Officers and contractors. The Division provides key functions that support the IHSC health care system such as budget/finance; acquisition management processes and procurements; real property and asset management; human resources, workforce recruitment and hiring; credentialing and privileging; health information technology, data analytics; health records technology; management, sharing, disclosure, and protection of IHSC data and records information management; and medical education and training.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Assistant Director for Administration.
The incumbent plans and organizes his/her own work, determines the sequence of assignments, selects, and develops methods, and seeks assistance from experts only rarely.
Assignments are usually long-term, recurring, or broadly defined.
Work is reviewed for feasibility, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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 "USPHS Promotion CV")
You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
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. If you do not, please submit a memo attesting to no AP in the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement section in the documents section of application.
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 02/14/2026.
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.
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 "USPHS Promotion CV")
You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
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. If you do not, please submit a memo attesting to no AP in the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement section in the documents section of application.
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 02/14/2026.
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.
