Clinical Nurse Manager (O-6 Billet) Supervisory

Job Description

Department of Homeland Security

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC)

Summary

This supervisory Nurse Manager 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 (DAD-CSU).

As a Nurse Manager (Chief, Complex Unit), you will lead and manage nursing operations at a large, high-acuity IHSC facility—typically housing over 500 detainees—and may oversee complex medical housing units and mission-critical staging operations. You will ensure nursing services comply with national, state, and local nursing standards, while providing quality patient care in a detention environment.

You will serve as a key member of the local leadership team (TRIAD), working collaboratively with the Clinical Director and Health Services Administrator as the responsible health authority for the facility. This role includes supervising the Assistant Nurse Manager, overseeing federal nursing staff, and providing technical oversight for contract nurses.

Note: This position is open only to current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps Officers. USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates and civilians are not eligible to apply.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Apply advanced nursing theories, principles, and concepts to enhance the quality and efficiency of nursing care and protect patient safety and wellbeing.
• Lead problem-solving initiatives by designing, evaluating, and implementing nursing solutions to address complex health conditions and care delivery issues.
• Analyze and report on clinical and operational data, and provide expert consultation to leadership, demonstrating clear and professional communication skills.
• Stay current with the latest developments in nursing best practices, literature, and standards of care.
• Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary health teams to develop, monitor, and evaluate patient care plans, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with policies.
• Serve as a clinical advisor on health outcomes, quality measures, compliance, and policy development in partnership with the IHSC Medical Quality Management Unit.
• Perform technical nursing tasks, carry out standard nursing procedures, and apply clinical judgment in patient care decisions.
• Assess patient conditions, distinguish normal from abnormal findings, communicate changes to higher-level providers, and implement appropriate interventions.
• Maintain proficiency in practical and emerging nursing methods through continuing education and training.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and staff development to foster a cohesive nursing team.
• Respond effectively to emergencies, including performing CPR or other critical interventions when needed.

Qualifications

Physical Demands

• This position involves working in a detention environment classified as hazardous duty.
• Requires significant physical effort, including the ability to lift items exceeding 30 pounds.
• Must be physically capable of assisting ill, injured, or elderly detainees or staff in safely evacuating the facility; this may involve lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying individuals who may weigh substantially more than the employee.
• Duties may require physical stamina such as short-distance running, extended periods of standing, and working under austere conditions, especially in emergency situations.
• Must be able to perform CPR or emergency medical care while standing, kneeling, or in other physically demanding positions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Professional Experience:
  • A minimum of 9 years of professional clinical nursing experience.
  • At least 4 years in a nursing specialty area (experience in correctional health care preferred).
  • At least 4 years providing direct clinical patient care in settings such as inpatient care (preferred).
  • At least 3 years of administrative or supervisory nursing experience.
• Certifications and Training:
  • Current CPR/BLS certification required.
  • Must obtain the Certified Correctional Health Professional – Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN) credential within 2 years of appointment.
  • Completion of ICE Supervisory Leadership Training within 1 year and Advanced ICE Supervisory Leadership Training within 2 years of assignment.
  • Maintain cultural competency through agency or external training programs.
• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (required).
  • Master’s degree in Nursing or a related field (preferred).
  • Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program approved by the relevant State accrediting body.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • Must hold and maintain an active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
  • Responsible for complying with all licensure or certification requirements to ensure credentials remain current.
  • May be required to deliver direct clinical care within the scope of licensure during critical staffing periods at the agency’s direction.
  • Must maintain any professional certifications appropriate to the assigned specialty.
• Professional Knowledge:
  • In-depth knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act for the state of licensure and any state where nursing services are provided.
  • Extensive knowledge of complex nursing principles and practices, including mental health, medical/surgical, ambulatory, and emergency nursing care.
  • Proficiency in caring for patients with complex needs, non-compliant behaviors, or limited coping skills, requiring ongoing clinical support.
  • Understanding of correctional healthcare systems and principles.
  • Strong knowledge and practical skills in nursing management, leadership, team building, staff development, and adult education methodologies.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to meet changing schedules and operational demands.
  • Must follow the established supervisory chain of command.
  • Must be willing to perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Some travel may be required.