Summary

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); Office of the Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of Health Systems Support (HSS), and IHSC Special Operations Unit (ISOU). The incumbent is supervised by the Chief of ISOU with the IHSC DAD of HSS as the reviewing official. This is a non-supervisory position.

This job is open to

• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Applicants must be either a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or a USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate.

Videos

Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Incumbent's primary duty is to serve as a flight nurse on a national level, with responsibilities for performing a variety of unusual and complex professional tasks without the benefit of close guidance. Incumbent serves as flight nurse by providing direct patient care for individuals in ICE custody during ICE removal missions in accordance to agency procedures and nursing guidelines. The incumbent works in small aircrafts, business jets, large airliners, or helicopters, which may be civilian, military and U.S. government local, state or federal assets. The incumbent is to anticipate transfers from airframes, including in inclement weather. Transfers and care may take place on ground vehicles or boats to aircraft. Impact of error can cause serious impairment to program, agency and division. As a flight nurse, contacts of persons outside the department, high level (i.e., diplomatic), official representation of U.S government while overseas. Work purpose is basic collaboration to meet the health care needs in agency mission.
2. In addition, serves as a specialty consultant to local, and national programs; coordinates activities relative to policy development, program implementation and evaluation subject to regulations, policies, procedures, and pertinent laws. Advises local and department level officials regarding policy development, review reports, identify and analyze problems, provide formal written analysis or reports; participates in the design and development of procedures to follow- up on reports. Performs specialized or complex professional tasks without benefit of close supervision or detailed guidelines, independently establishes criteria, formulates approaches and evaluation efforts. Impact of error can cause serious impairment to program, division, and Agency; and, reduce wasted efforts and resources. Contacts of persons inside the immediate work environment and within the Department. This includes the general public. To justify, defend, negotiate, or settle matters involving significant or controversial issues, work at this level usually involves active participation in conferences, meetings, or presentations involving problems or issues of maximum consequences or importance.
3. When flight duties and program duties are met (i.e., secondary duties), incumbent serves as senior staff nurse at IHSC facility. Performance of duties and acceptance of responsibilities are recognized to be above the journeyman level in professional nursing. Assumes responsibility for providing care to patients with complex physical mental, or social needs. Develops and implements a comprehensive plan for meeting actual and anticipated patient needs. Performs complex tasks, technical skills, and procedures on patients utilizing sophisticated equipment and nursing techniques effectively and efficiently without the benefit of close guidance. Judgmental failure could seriously affect the health status of one or more individuals. Primary contact is with the general public, members of the health care team, or patients and patients' families in a clinical situation in order to render nursing care.
4. Other program duties and responsibilities as assigned.
5. Performs minor duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• You MUST be a USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer (PHS Officer) or Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate in order to apply for this position. Civilian employees are NOT eligible for this position.

Qualifications

COMPETENCIES:

1. Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
2. Demonstrates strong critical thinking, independent problem-solving skills, and prudent judgement skills.
3. Makes rapid decisions, based upon limited clinical information; frequently under time constraints and with sensitivity to cultural and international relations.
4. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
5. Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency in words and actions. Models high standards of ethics.
6. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
7. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
8. Knowledge of teaching, training, research, making presentations, lecturing, testing, and other instructional methods.
9. Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.
10. Ability to interface within other uniform services components and federal law enforcement agencies.
11. Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
12. Demonstrate strong diplomatic skills in adversity.
13. Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills.
14. Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detainees or staff during ingress and egress (e.g., may require lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than oneself). The officer must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. of medical equipment 100 yds. without assistance.
2. Must be able to see, hear, and smell with aids if necessary. Must be able to don full face mask, breathing apparatus or emergency fire escape mask or hood without difficulty for prolong periods.
3. Must be able to easily alternate between kneeling, standing and walking in the confined space of small aircraft.
4. Must be able to perform duties in a stressful and often austere environment, with inclement weather and altitudes without physical limitations.
5. The position requires that the officer is physically able to climb ladders and stairs without impediment while carrying medical equipment and supplies as well as personal gear.
6. The officer will be required to work extended hours and remain in aircraft in confined cabin space during inclement weather, ground delays and/or extenuating circumstances during extended trans-global flights.
7. The officer will be required to have basic swimming skills to allow for safe swimming at least one pool length for mandatory aircrew safety training events.
8. Must be able to pass the FAA Class III Flight Physical for Altitude Physiology Chamber orientation.

Education

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Be actively boarded or commissioned in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
2. Bachelor's of science or master's of science in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Current, unrestricted, and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license from any U.S. state, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam
3. Minimum of 4 years of direct patient care experience as a registered nurse and the last 2 years must be current.
4. Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act for the licensing state and/or the state in which one practices nursing.
5. Knowledge of a wide range of nursing concepts, principles, and practices.
6. Knowledge of Microsoft office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
7. Knowledge of medication, administration guidelines, and pharmaceutical agents and their desired and adverse effects in order to recognize untoward effects and take appropriate corrective measures.
8. Comprehensive knowledge of managing non-compliant patients, special needs populations, and patients with significant deficits in coping skills.
9. Knowledge of requirements for safety, infection control, quality assurance, maintenance of records of patients seen, statistical information gathering, etc.
10. Knowledge or experience of nursing management and leadership skills.
11. Knowledge of teaching patient health education skills.
12. Preferred but not required, knowledge, skills, and abilities:
    
    • Emergency Department, Intensive Care or Flight Nursing experience preferred
    • Experience in immigration health system.
    • Correctional health care experience.
    • Certification as Correctional Health Care Professional (CCHP).
    • Knowledge and/or experience with IHSC policies, NCCHC and PBNDS requirements.
    • Knowledge of public health preparedness, infection control and tuberculosis management.
    • Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS), Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC), Pre- Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certification.
    • Prior Patient Transport, Flight Nursing or Aerospace Medicine/Nursing experience.
    • Prior Immigration/Correctional Flight Nursing.
    • ANCC Certification as National Healthcare Disaster Professional (NHDB-BC).
    • Proficient in Spanish or other secondary language.

Additional information

The ISOU Flight Registered Nurse is stationed at an IHSC ambulatory care facility. The incumbent's duties are divided into primary and secondary responsibilities. Flight nurse and program manager duties are primary. Senior staff nurse duties at IHSC facility is secondary. The incumbent participates in domestic and global removal missions through ISOU Medical Air Operations (MedAirOps). MedAirOps provides medical services for individuals in ICE custody during domestic transfers, international removal, and in support of ICE/ERO objectives on land, air, and sea. The incumbent supports ICE Field Offices to accomplish removal missions in charter flights and commercial air carriers. Serves as sole health care provider while in-flight and overseas. Initiates emergency treatment in the absence of a physician for in-flight medical emergencies. MedAirOps provides comprehensive training to the incumbent from the following agencies: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of State, Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute, DHS Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and Federal Emergency Management Administration. MedAirOps provides guidance and support to ERO/IAO on air transport matters related to aerospace medicine and flight nursing. The incumbent works in conjunction with ICE officers interacting with civilian and government organizations, contract staff, U.S. and foreign dignitaries, and domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies to provide continuity of care.

IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1600 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 20 detention facilities throughout the country and manages the provision of off-site medical care for detainees housed in approximately 112 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. IHSC also provides medical support during ICE enforcement operations in the air, on the ground, and at sea.

DHS SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

1. DHS
2. ICE
3. ERO

HHS SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

1. DHHS
2. USPHS CC

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The Chief of IHSC Special Operations supervises the incumbent. The IHSC Deputy Assistant Director of Health Systems Support serves as the incumbent's reviewing official. The Unit Chief of IHSC Special Operation obtains input from the IHSC clinic leadership during COER rating periods as necessary. 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.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  Review our 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.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  Review our 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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  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
  
  
  1. A copy of your certificate of investigation (located in your eOPF).
  2. Cover letter, please include location preference here.
  3. Three professional references (i.e., name, title and contact information).
  4. CV (e.g., relevant experience, education, training).
  5. *Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER).
  6. Licensures, degrees, certificates.
  7. Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement.
  8. For IHSC PHS officers, IHSC Recruiting requires applicants provide a copy of your current service remaining requirement agreement.
  
  New Call to Active Duty
  
  
  1. Cover letter, please include location preference here.
  2. Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information)
  3. CV (e.g., relevant experience, education, training)
  4. Licensures, degrees, certificates
  5. U.S. Public Health Service - Appointment Board Decision Letter/Email.
  
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  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.
• How to Apply
  
  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 09/30/2024.
  
  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.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  IHSC Recruiting
  
  Email
  
  IHSCRecruiting@ice.dhs.gov
  
  Address
  
  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.
  
  
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

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

1. A copy of your certificate of investigation (located in your eOPF).
2. Cover letter, please include location preference here.
3. Three professional references (i.e., name, title and contact information).
4. CV (e.g., relevant experience, education, training).
5. *Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER).
6. Licensures, degrees, certificates.
7. Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement.
8. For IHSC PHS officers, IHSC Recruiting requires applicants provide a copy of your current service remaining requirement agreement.

New Call to Active Duty

1. Cover letter, please include location preference here.
2. Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information)
3. CV (e.g., relevant experience, education, training)
4. Licensures, degrees, certificates
5. U.S. Public Health Service - Appointment Board Decision Letter/Email.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

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 09/30/2024.

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.

Agency contact information



IHSC Recruiting

Email

IHSCRecruiting@ice.dhs.gov

Address

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 & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request