The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently recruiting for a Health Application Services Program Officer (Advanced Practice Provider) position in Washington, DC. This non-supervisory, permanent role (O-5 billet) offers a unique chance to support nationwide electronic health record (EHR) improvements, interoperability, and IT modernization for federal immigration detention healthcare.
This position is open only to eligible USPHS officers and CAD candidates—civilians are not eligible. The announcement runs from October 4, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with one vacancy available.
Why This USPHS Job Stands Out
IHSC delivers essential on-site and off-site medical care to approximately 28,000 ICE detainees daily across 18 IHSC-managed facilities and 128 additional sites. With a multidisciplinary team of over 1,600 professionals, including USPHS officers, civil servants, and contractors, this role places you at the heart of high-quality, secure healthcare technology solutions.
As a key member of the Health Information and Technology Unit (HITU) within the Information Management Section (IMS), you’ll drive EHR enhancements, clinical workflow optimization, and patient safety initiatives. This is an ideal opportunity for advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or related fields) with health IT experience to advance their career in federal service.
Key Responsibilities of the Health Application Services Program Officer
In this role, you’ll serve as the primary liaison for EHR improvements and lead critical initiatives, including:
- Collaborating with clinical specialty units (Medical, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dental, Behavioral Health) to align EHR functionalities with real-world workflows and patient safety standards.
- Configuring EHR tools such as templates, Smart Forms, Order Sets, Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), and Provider Alerts while ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Leading User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for new features and supporting clinical/EHR training programs.
- Monitoring data quality, validating EHR usage, and driving continuous improvements for better clinical outcomes.
- Developing training plans, end-user guides, and change management strategies for system upgrades.
- Providing technical expertise for EHR enhancements, governance documents, and medical device integration.
- Supporting issue reporting, prioritization, and strategic recommendations for system requirements.
- Handling other assigned duties to support IHSC’s IT modernization efforts.
Qualifications and Requirements
To qualify, candidates must meet these core criteria:
- Education: Advanced Practice Provider degree (Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or related field).
- Experience: At least 4 years of successful advanced practice with demonstrated administrative/leadership skills, plus 4 years of health IT experience or strong familiarity with EHR systems and healthcare workflows (correctional settings preferred).
- Key Skills:
- Proficiency in EHR configuration, clinical workflows, CDSS, order sets, and medical device integration.
- In-depth knowledge of healthcare regulations (OSHA, ACA, NCCHC, Joint Commission), patient privacy (HIPAA), and data management for quality improvement.
- Strong communication skills for high-stakes reports (e.g., congressional responses).
- Leadership, independent work, problem-solving, organizational skills, cultural competency, and ethical integrity.
- Preferred: Health Informatics certification and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.).
- Licensure: Must maintain active licensure; occasional clinical duties may be required during critical needs.
Conditions of Employment and Benefits
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass a background investigation and drug screen, and meet Selective Service requirements (if applicable). USPHS officers will commit to an 18–24 month service agreement with IHSC and participate in the TDY On-Call Schedule (ITOS).
Benefits include a comprehensive federal package—review full details at the USPHS website. Relocation expenses may be reimbursed per agency policy. The role involves occasional travel, no remote/telework option, and a critical-sensitive/high-risk security designation.
How to Apply for This USPHS O-5 Position
Submit a complete application package via USAJOBS by 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026. Required documents vary slightly for current officers vs. CAD candidates but generally include:
- Cover letter/letter of interest
- Degrees, professional licenses, and certificates
- Three professional references
- USPHS Promotion CV (or civilian resume)
- Certificate of Investigation
- Recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER)
- Service Remaining Requirements Agreement (if applicable)
- Assignment Pay Agreement status
Applications are reviewed based on qualifications; interviews may be conducted at the hiring authority’s discretion.
Ready to Apply?
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are excited to contribute to secure, high-impact healthcare technology in federal immigration enforcement, this could be your next career step. Contact IHSC Recruiting at IHSCrecruiting@ice.dhs.gov for questions, or visit the full announcement on USAJOBS (Control Number: 846607000).
Job Source – https://nurse.usajobs.gov/job/846607000