Non-supervisory tele-psychiatric advanced practice provider who delivers psychiatric care to non-citizens in ICE custody. Uses secure, real-time audio and video telemedicine to conduct assessments, diagnoses, interventions, consultations, and information sharing from a distant location. This electronic communication uses interactive telecommunications equipment that includes audio and video equipment.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Summary
Non-supervisory tele-psychiatric advanced practice provider who delivers psychiatric care to non-citizens in ICE custody. Uses secure, real-time audio and video telemedicine to conduct assessments, diagnoses, interventions, consultations, and information sharing from a distant location. This electronic communication uses interactive telecommunications equipment that includes audio and video equipment.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Please note that upon selection, the candidate must live within 50 miles of an IHSC Field Office.
Salary
$1 - $150,000 per year
Please note that the salary is dependent on the officer's rank, years in service, and location of duty station.
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
Works within and performs functions as outlined in the IHSC Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider Collaborative Practice and Prescriptive Authority Agreement and the IHSC formulary.
Delivers comprehensive psychiatric care to detainees through utilization of telecommunications and information technology to provide access to psychiatric treatment across distance via scheduled appointments, emergent, or urgent care visits.
Consults with the Clinical Director/psychiatrist for complex psychiatric patients and as required by IHSC policy.
Provides integrated, consultative care including, but not limited to admission, discharge, and daily rounds for detainees that require higher levels of psychiatric care or close monitoring.
Collaborates with members of the clinical services team to coordinate holistic, integrated patient care delivery.
Performs thorough psychiatric evaluations and initiates individualized treatment plans for detainees as required by IHSC policy, or as required based on detainee psychiatric complaint.
Follows IHSC policies in the management of significant mental illness including prevention of violence, homicide, self-harm, and suicide.
Demonstrates discipline appropriate application of clinical knowledge within documented treatment plans, to include psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological, therapeutic treatment modalities.
Coordinates psychiatric care needs of detainees including referrals to off-site consultants.
Solicits and reviews pertinent psychiatric records as indicated.
Interprets diagnostic and laboratory results when required for psychiatric evaluations.
Provides relevant patient education to detainees verbally and/or with handouts.
Ensures patient confidentiality and privacy of medical records.
Mentors psychiatric APP onboarding and training.
Actively participates in interdisciplinary training of IHSC staff.
Participates in the psychiatric APP credentialing and peer review process.
Assists in program development, policy review and revisions, and data collection.
Attends on-site, regional, and national meetings as required.
Completes all initial, annual, and ad hoc training as required.
Assists with preparation for accreditation and ongoing compliance with standards.
Maintains a level of productivity that is on par with the average psychiatric provider's productivity.
May serve in acting capacity as part of the IHSC psychiatry services leadership team.
May serve as medical escort of detainees as needed, for domestic/overseas travel.
Utilizes and documents interpretation and/or translation and/or assisted communication services as needed to ensure ability to effectively communicate with detainees or others who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) or have a communication disability or impediment.
Provides on-call coverage as needed after regular work hours which may require returning calls to the covering facility outside of normal work hours for urgent mental health needs.
Documents detainee encounters in the electronic health record using required format, in compliance with IHSC policy and guidance.
Exhibits flexibility and ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
Travel may be required up to as much as 20% annually.
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.
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 or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.
Civilians are not eligible for this position.
Applicants without a USPHS commission must begin the USPHS Commissioned Corps application process before applying to this position. Applicants must review the USPHS application requirements and submit an application at www.usphs.gov/apply-now/.
Continued employment is contingent upon appointment to, and maintenance of, active-duty status in the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
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
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time [6-8 hours].
Average manual dexterity for computer operations.
Phone and computer use for extended periods of time.
Must perform job duties in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
Education
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
A minimum of 3-5 years of full-time experience as a Psychiatric APP in direct patient care required.
Knowledge of training methods and sufficient interpersonal skills to develop a rapport with detainees and co-workers when instructional and educational information is presented.
Nurse Practitioner- Requires unrestricted PMHNP state license and national board certification through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC). - Current licensure as a PMHNP by a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States. - PMHNP degree from a graduate school of professional nursing accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), typically a Master or Doctorial level education. - PMHNP board certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Physician Assistant (PA)- Requires unrestricted PA state license and national board certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Current licensure as a PA by a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States. - Graduate from a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). - Certificate of Added Qualification in Psychiatry from the NCCPA - required.
Maintains a current license and meets continuing education requirements for the State(s) licensed in (It is the responsibility of the incumbent to fulfill the obligation(s) of their licensing or certifying body to maintain currency. This position will be required to perform clinical activities within the scope of licensure).
Maintains unrestricted license with state of licensure
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe controlled medications- not required at the time of hire, but must be obtained within 90 days of the start date
Maintains basic readiness status
Maintains current CPR/BLS certification
Maintains clinical professional skills via continuing education opportunities.
Comprehensive knowledge of managing non-compliant patients, special needs populations, and patients with significant deficits in coping skills, thereby requiring continuing professional clinical support.
Flexibility and ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
Additional information
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
1. The incumbent functions under the clinical supervision of the designated collaborating psychiatrist.
2. The incumbent is administratively supervised by the Chief Psychiatrist.
3. Clinical assignments are usually of a long-term, recurring, or broadly defined nature. The officer plans and organizes their own work, determines prioritization of assignments, and seeks assistance as needed. Work is reviewed for attainment of objectives, completeness of documentation, and productivity through chart reviews conducted by collaborating psychiatrist, supervisor, and/or peers. The officer uses judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines such as policies, standards, regulations, precedents, and work direction for application to specific cases.
4. The officer analyzes results and recommends changes in clinical guidelines and program policies. Modifications to accepted procedures must be approved and clearly document
5. The officer keeps the supervisor informed of the status of projects and consults with him/her on any significant problems encountered.
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.
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For current IHSC PHS officers, IHSC Recruiting requires applicants to provide 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.
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)
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 12/13/2026.
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.
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For current IHSC PHS officers, IHSC Recruiting requires applicants to provide 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.
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)
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 12/13/2026.
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.
