The pharmacist provides pharmaceutical services for ICE detainees, including reviewing, dispensing, and counseling on prescriptions; managing inventory; ensuring compliance with IHSC policies; maintaining records; and supporting clinic operations. This role is non-supervisory and reports to the Lead Pharmacist.
This position is only open to USPHS officers who are currently IHSC employees.
USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible for this position.
Summary
The pharmacist provides pharmaceutical services for ICE detainees, including reviewing, dispensing, and counseling on prescriptions; managing inventory; ensuring compliance with IHSC policies; maintaining records; and supporting clinic operations. This role is non-supervisory and reports to the Lead Pharmacist.
This position is only open to USPHS officers who are currently IHSC employees.
USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) 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.
Reviews individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of drugs to be dispensed.
Adjusts prescription instructions and drug quantities to correspond to strengths and dosage forms stocked at the medical clinic.
Correlates instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy limitations and notes such on the prescription.
Types accurate and concise labels that precisely convey provider's instructions to the patients.
Fills prescriptions by obtaining the correct drug stock, counting the correct amount of medication, placing the medication in smaller containers, and affixing the prescription label and all appropriate auxiliary labels.
Counsels patients on the appropriate use of medication(s), utilizing the patient's native language if possible, or medication information handouts in the patient's native language if available.
Based on the substantive knowledge and familiarity with a wide range of a articles stocked in the pharmacy, screens all prescriptions upon receipt concerning availability of drug & dosage prescribed.
If drug requested is not on formulary, discusses therapeutic options with the provider , suggesting drugs listed in the program formulary where possible.
If a non-formulary drug is deemed necessary, assists the provider in filling out a non- formulary request form and obtaining approval where necessary.
Answers routine inquiries from doctors, nurses, & other staff on the availability of specific items, e.g., drugs in stock, new drugs on order, & dosage forms available in the pharmacy.
Answers questions concerning drug reactions, drug interactions, new drugs, etc.
Optional: may practice as a clinical pharmacist if a collaborative practice agreement is approved.
Packages bulk drugs (liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments & creams, etc.) into specific quantities and various sized containers.
Operates tablet and capsule counting machines and labeling machines for the purpose of repackaging drugs.
Records all prepacking information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer, current date, and initials.
Fills all requisitioned items from other areas of the clinic. If the medication is not available in the requested quantity, makes necessary computations to provide the order in a different unit of measure.
Packages bulk drugs (liquids, tablets, capsules, ointments & creams, etc.) into specific quantities and various sized containers.
Places orders for supplies from appropriate sources and tracks supply usage to minimize out of stock items or excess inventories.
Receives pharmaceutical supplies & checks receipts against requisitions. Checks for shortage, breakage, deterioration & expiration dates. Discrepancies found are reported to the supplier.
Inspects stock to determine frequency of re-ordering drug items, maintenance of current pricing & proper stock rotation. Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition (destruction or credit returns) & prepares necessary paperwork to initiate proper action.
Is responsible for general orderliness, cleanliness & maintenance of pharmacy equipment. Participates in monthly & annual inventory of pharmacy service as required.
Types narrative & tabular material such as correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, forms & labels.
Types from clean copy, rough draft or handwritten notes without errors or corrections when required, & in accordance with the established format.
On a daily basis checks the medicine cabinet & all areas of the clinic where night pharmacy service is available.
Responsible for refilling any missing pharmacy drug or supply item used during the night or weekend.
Inspects & logs the temperature of areas where pharmaceuticals are stored.
Answers telephone & takes messages for the pharmacy in a courteous professional manner and drives a GSA vehicle when necessary.
Responsible for creating & maintaining file folders for upcoming Fiscal Year files & other miscellaneous files.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisory staff.
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:
Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills.
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrates strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills.
Flexible and able to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
Integrity and 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 than oneself).
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.
Must perform the duties of my job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
Education
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
B.S. or Pharm. D. degree from a program that is accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.
For positions involving patient care, candidates must have a permanent, full, and unrestricted license from a State Board of Pharmacy to practice pharmacy in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
Expertise in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics and all management aspects related to the practice of pharmacy in a clinic/infirmary setting.
Possesses necessary skills for operating general office technology including Microsoft Office Product.
Possess knowledge of grammar, spelling & punctuation to identify and correct errors to ensure accurate copy.
Possesses knowledge of and is competent in understanding and communicating pharmaceutical nomenclature including generic, chemical & trade names, Latin abbreviations, dosage forms, drug strengths, formulations & English-Metric equivalents.
Competent in data entry and ability to work with & analyze numbers, including bookkeeping & basic accounting skills.
Competent in the use of office machines including photocopiers, calculators, and personal computers.
Competent in the application of computer programs to facilitate management operations in a clinic environment.
Possesses ability to work efficiently, accurately & organized in a fast paced environment.
Maintains CPR/BLS certification.
Additional information
As the Pharmacist, the incumbent is responsible to adhere to policies and procedures as stated in the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) Pharmaceutical Services and Medication Management Directives and Guides.
IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1100 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 21 detention facilities throughout the country and manages the provision of off-site medical care for detainees housed in approximately 250 additional facilities. The ICE detainee population is 34,000 detainees on a daily basis, with an average length of stay of about 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 Pharmacist works under the direction of the Supervisory Lead Pharmacist. Accepts supervisory responsibilities in an acting role as assigned by the Supervisory Lead Pharmacist.
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 06/18/2026.
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 06/18/2026.
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.
