Advanced Practice Provider (O-3/O-4/O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The ICE IHSC is seeking a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to provide direct detainee care, including evaluations, minor procedures, and prescriptions. The role reports to the Supervisory Advanced Practice Provider and may involve on-site supervision by the Clinical Director.

Key qualifications include current PA/NP licensure, NCCPA/ANCC certification, and DEA registration, with strong clinical judgment and knowledge of correctional health care policies.

Qualifications

• Active PA license or NP license with national certification.
• DEA registration for prescribing controlled medications.
• Experience or familiarity with correctional health care policies desired.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical records and data.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct detainee care including evaluations and minor procedures.
• Prescribe medications and review diagnostic results.
• Coordinate care and referrals to off-site consultants as needed.
• Mentor APP onboarding and participate in peer review processes.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Problem solving

Integrity and cultural competency

Clinical judgment

Adaptability

Education

Unrestricted PA state license

NCCPA certification

DEA registration

Unrestricted Family or Adult-Gerontology NP license

AANP or ANCC certification (NP)

Job description

Summary

The Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides direct detainee care, including evaluations, minor procedures, and medication prescriptions. The incumbent reports directly to the Supervisory Advanced Practice Provider (APP). If no Supervisory APP is on-site, the incumbent reports to the facility Clinical Director. This position is open only to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Practice in conformance with established criteria, guidelines, and agency procedures.
• Perform comprehensive history and physical evaluations, behavioral health care, and minor outpatient surgical procedures for detainees as required by IHSC policy.
• Coordinate health‑care needs of detainees, including referrals to off‑site consultants.
• Take appropriate infection‑control actions and adhere to universal precautions.
• Complete all required training and attend on‑site, regional, and national meetings as needed.
• Participate in the APP Peer Review process (O‑4 level and O‑5 level).
• Serve as Acting Senior Supervisory APP or Acting Regional APP when required.
• Facilitate and mentor APP onboarding and training.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Provide direct care to detainees via scheduled appointments, emergency, or urgent care visits (O‑5 billet).
• Consult with the Clinical Director for complex medical and/or psychiatric patients.
• Provide infirmary care, including admission, discharge, and daily rounds for detainees requiring higher levels of medical care or monitoring.
• Apply knowledge of drugs and therapeutics when prescribing medication.
• Interpret diagnostic and laboratory results, including TSTs and TB management.
• Serve as medical escort of detainees for domestic/overseas travel when needed.
• Utilize and document interpretation and/or translation services as needed for Limited English Proficient detainees or those with communication disabilities.
• Maintain flexibility and adaptability to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
• Provide patient health education verbally and/or with handouts.
• Document detainee care visits in the required health record using the required format, in compliance with IHSC policy and guidance.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and confidentiality of medical records.
• Serve as Acting Senior Supervisory APP or Acting Regional APP.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Successful background investigation and drug screen required.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with the Selective Service System.
• Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Service remaining requirement: Upon appointment, officers must serve an 18‑ to 24‑month commitment to IHSC.
• Cannot have a current Assignment Pay Agreement; if one exists, it must be fulfilled within 90 days of application submission.
• Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS CAD candidate.
• Civilians are not eligible for this position.
• PHS officers must participate in the IHSC TDY On‑Call Schedule (ITOS).

Competencies and Preferred Qualifications

• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Analytical skills and ability to navigate complex systems.
• Strong interpersonal and active listening skills.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, judgment, and decision‑making skills.
• Integrity, honesty, and cultural competency.
• Experience in correctional health care.
• Knowledge of IHSC policies, NCCHC and PBNDS requirements.
• Knowledge of public health preparedness, infection control, and TB management.
• ACLS certification.
• DEA Buprenorphine X Waiver certification.
• Correctional Healthcare Professional (CCHP) certification (preferred).

Physical Demands

• Physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds.
• Ability to perform CPR or emergency care while standing or kneeling.
• Ability to assist sick, injured, or aging detainees or staff exiting the building, including lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self.
• Capacity to run a short distance, stand for prolonged periods, and work in austere environments.

Education and Licensing

• O‑3 and O‑4 billets: new graduate or no clinical experience. O‑4 upgrade requires at least one year of clinical experience as a PA or NP or approval by the Deputy Medical Director.
• O‑5 billets: more than 4 years of full‑time clinical experience as a PA or NP, or approval by the IHSC Medical Director.
• Required licensure: Unrestricted PA state license, national certification through NCCPA, and DEA registration to prescribe controlled medications.
• Required licensure for NPs: Unrestricted Family or Adult‑Gerontology Nurse Practitioner state license, national certification through AANP or ANCC, plus DEA registration.
• Maintain currency with licensing or certifying bodies and keep current CPR/BLS certification.
• Preferred: Advanced practice nurse practitioner degree from an approved graduate program.

Location and Supervisory Structure

The 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 Deputy Assistant Director of Clinical Services. The role is non‑supervisory; the physician assistant or nurse practitioner works under the general administrative supervision of the Health Services Administrator (HSA), with clinical oversight provided by the Clinical Director or designee.