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Form of workSummary 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 of Clinical Services, Behavioral Health Unit (BHU). The incumbent will report directly to the Health Services Administrator (HSA). This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Responsibilities DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Serves as field expert on BHU policy workgroup team. Participate in mental health initiatives and competency training. Works in conjunction with HSA, Regional Behavior Health Unit (RBHU) Chief and Behavioral Health Consultants in responding to Civil Rights Civil Liberties (CRCL) findings.
Provides input regarding the mental health process review. Promote a multidisciplinary approach from a treatment standpoint. Attend BHU bi-monthly meetings.
Identify challenges that impede provider productivity and offer solutions to RBHU Travel to Headquarters (HQ) for training and education, as required. Provides psychological assessment and evaluation of detainees. Provides appropriate referral to outside treatment facilities for those cases of extremely severe mental disturbance referring such detainees to the appropriate mental health facility for intensive mental health care.
Provides identification and evaluation for those identified as having a significant mental illness using Mental Health Review form (IHSC-883). Provides on-site counseling, psychotherapy, behavioral analysis, substance abuse education, and therapy as required. Possesses a high level of skill in assessing, recognizing and treating problems of adjustment and maladaptive behavior or other conditions.
Determines the need for and provide direct mental health services to detainees with identified mental health and substance abuse problems utilizing psycho educational and treatment modalities as appropriate in the treatment of mental disorders. Assists the Clinical Director/Designees in providing orientation and guidance to medical staff in Detoxification of Chemically Dependent detainees and actions to take if a detainee is suspected of being chemically dependent on drugs or alcohol upon intake or during custody. Reports status to a physician if the expected outcome of drug therapy is not being achieved.
Utilizes the multi-disciplinary approach in the treatment planning process for detainees identified with mental health problems. Provides consultation to medical, ICE, contract staff regarding issues that include, but are not limited to risk assessment for violence, housing recommendations for handling difficult demanding, and mentally ill detainees. Serves as a mental health and substance abuse consultant within the facility.
Provides education and training to ICE and medical staff in the area of mental health to include, but not limited to, suicide prevention, hunger strike, abuse and neglect and victims of torture. Facilitates contacts between the detainee patient and his/her social support systems. Establishes and maintains liaison with other health services professionals and mental health organizations.
Assists in preparation towards accreditation/compliance. Assists the local performance improvement coordinator in completion of clinical performance improvement/risk identification and management directly related to mental health. Participates in the local performance improvement committee.
Works in conjunction with ICE/Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) legal counsel providing written evaluation reports on the mental health status of individuals placed on SMI (Seriously Mental Illness List). Coordinates alongside Headquarters (HQ) mental health unit for continuity of care for placement in, or treatment of, detainees in appropriate settings as required by the conditions of release outlined by ICE. Responsible for all case management which may involve community treatment placement, hospital placement, or other after care situations.
Utilizes Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for completing treatment authorization request, case entry and exit reports. Participate in quarterly peer review Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications COMPETENCIES: Superior oral/written communication skills Leadership skills Active listening skills Strong interpersonal skills Strong organizational and time management skills Strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills Integrity/honesty Cultural competency PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile. Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling. Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detainees or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling or carrying someone who weighs significantly more oneself).
Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary. Must easily alternate between kneeling and standing. Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
Education REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Requires a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology from a graduate program in Psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association or a Master's degree (LCSW or LMSW) in Social Work from a graduate program in social work accredited by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Minimum of 5 years of experience. Holds a full, current and unrestricted licensed by a State or Territory at the Doctoral level for psychologists and at the Master's level for social workers (MSW).
Psychologist must meet requirements for inclusion in the National Registry of Psychologist Providers if graduated after 1 January 1982. Social Work - Knowledge of the case management process commensurate with training and education at the MSW level. Psychologist - Knowledge of specific functions of Psychology to include, but not limited to: Observation, Description, Testing, Evaluation, Interpretation, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Knowledge of the indications and contraindications, complications and techniques in the various psychiatric treatment and diagnostic modalities. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Flexible and able to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and work requirements.
Experience in a correctional setting is preferred. Credentialed and privileged with a current, permanent, full and unrestricted license to practice psychology or social work in any state jurisdiction. Additional Information 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 of Clinical Services, Behavioral Health Unit (BHU).
The incumbent will report directly to the Health Services Administrator (HSA). As the Behavioral Health Provider, the incumbent is responsible for assessing and evaluating the mental health of detainees and refer to outside treatment facilities if necessary. Additionally, the Behavioral Health Provider collects and reports pertinent mental health data.
IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1,400 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 23 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 on a daily basis, 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 USPHS CC SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Behavioral Health Provider works under the general supervision of the Health Services Administrator and receives clinical supervision from the Clinical Director or Behavioral Health Consultant at HQ.
