Special Assistant to the Chief Nurse Officer (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

JobSummary

The Special Assistant to the Chief Nurse Officer supports the Chief Nurse Officer in compliance, administration, and strategic planning for ICE Health Service Corps. Duties include research, coordination, communication, and outreach. Requires nursing degree, PHS service, strong organizational skills, and ability to travel. 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.

LowGrade

5

HighGrade

5

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC)

OrganizationCodes

HS/HSBB

Relocation

True

HiringPath

• fed-internal-search

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

1

AgencyMarketingStatement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a comprehensive workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS. The mission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is to protect America from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety. ICE focuses on smart immigration enforcement, preventing terrorism, and combating the illegal movement of people and goods. ICE is the principal investigative arm of DHS and the second largest investigative agency in the federal government. Created in 2003, through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, ICE has more than 20,000 employees in more than 400 offices in the United States and around the world. ICE is a key component of the DHS layered approach to protecting our nation from a wide range of threats. For additional information about ICE and career opportunities, please visit www.ice.gov.

TravelCode

2

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

• DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the general supervision of the CNO, the incumbent operates with moderate guidance in handling various aspects related to the position. Performance is evaluated on ability to handle confidential matters, and the completeness, promptness, and use of professional judgment in being responsive to technical assignments. The incumbent is responsible for providing a variety of professional tasks and administrative services for the CNO/DAD Health Care Compliance to include, but not limited to the following activities: Assists the CNO in the operation of the CNO and IHSC compliance administration, with responsibility for recognizing and referring to the CNO any matter that needs direct attention. Develops day-to-day and long-term operational requirements and priorities for the CNO/IHSC DAD Health Care Compliance. Promotes cooperative working relationships with partners at all levels of Government, including other IHSC leadership, OSG, Chief Professional Officers, and Surgeon General Professional Advisory Groups, and the private sector to ensure that the OSG/CNO/IHSC priorities are met, and scheduled communication is executed accurately and appropriately. Works closely with the administrative assistants, coordinating travel authorities, travel itineraries, and travel vouchers. Coordinates briefings, meetings, and events relevant to the OSG/CNO/IHSC Compliance priorities and preferences. Conducts research for documentation essential to technical assistance materials for the CNO/IHSC DAD Health Care Compliance pertaining to briefings, meetings, events, or other communications to ensure that the CNO/IHSC DAD Health Care Compliance is aware and prepared. Develops presentations and resources for the Office of the CNO to champion the CNO priorities, outline and manage execution of strategic planning and direction of CNO priorities, and collaborate with other offices for new initiatives or partnerships. Supports the CNO/IHSC DAD Health Care Compliance at meetings and prepares executive summaries to identify key issues discussed, decisions reached, and actions identified for follow-up. Carries out confidential assignments and prepares reports for the CNO pertaining to plans and activities, often in the early planning stages, which are of sensitive, confidential and often of restricted nature. Works closely with CNO in outreach activities working closely with senior nurse leaders, nursing organizations and academia to implement priorities. Keeps the CNO informed on progress of projects, program activities, and timelines across the nurse category. Completed work is reviewed primarily in relation to accomplishments of objectives. Provides input, based upon knowledge of pertinent literature, clinical experience and evidence-based research, which contributes to the strategic planning and development, scientific administration, and evaluation of nursing programs and education resources. Assists the CNO with the development of routine letters, responses to incoming correspondence and communications, and research on topic areas for narratives or briefings, as required. Assists the CNO with activities requiring protocol and military courtesies. OSG is the sole source for PHS protocol and includes preparing scripts, planning, coordinating, and recruiting resources including human resource needs, and assisting in ceremonies. Responsible for planning and carrying out assignments; coordinating work with others as necessary. Other duties as assigned.

Education

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Qualifying nursing degree for appointment to the Commissioned Corps. Have served a minimum of 2 years as active duty PHS Commissioned Corps Officer. Must possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills, professional judgment, and diplomatic judgment. Must possess mobility and maturity to work effectively in a high volume/high operational environment for sustained periods of time. Must be able to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and attend meetings at various sites within and away from assigned duty station. Strong military bearing, knowledge of military protocols, and prior military service (preferred). Possess or pursuing an advanced degree- Masters or Doctorate (preferred). Must be able to travel for prolonged periods of time within the United States and internationally. Fulfills the obligation(s) of licensing or certifying body to maintain clinical currency. Maintains clinical professional skills via continuing education opportunities. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and Adobe Acrobat.

Requirements

Evaluations

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.

HowToApply

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 04/10/2026. 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.

WhatToExpectNext

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.

RequiredDocuments

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.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.usphs.gov/salary-and-benefits

OtherInformation

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), The incumbent will report directly to the United States Public Health Service Chief Nurse Officer (CNO). This is a non-supervisory position. The CNO serves the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) as a principal advisor to the Surgeon General (SG), the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Nurse Professional Advisory Committee (NPAC) in all matters such as recruitment, retention, and career development related to the nurse category of the Commissioned Corps and all nurses of the USPHS. The Office of the CNO is responsible for providing leadership and coordination of the PHS nurses and nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Currently the CNO resides as the Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) for Health Care Compliance within the Department of Homeland Security, ICE Health Service Corps. IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1,600 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 240 additional Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) facilities. The ICE detainee population is approximately 34,000 detainees daily, with an average length of stay of approximately 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 Office of the Surgeon General SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Special Assistant to the Chief Nurse works under the general supervision of the United States Public Health Service Chief Nurse Officer.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

02

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

IHSCrecruiting@ice.dhs.gov

SecurityClearance

Other

DrugTestRequired

True

PositionSensitivitiy

Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

AdjudicationType

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness