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Communications Specialist (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC)
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Summary
Communications Specialist supports IHSC by developing internal communication plans, drafting and editing leadership messages, newsletters, web content, briefings, and other products; managing digital distributions and projects; coordinating with subject matter experts; ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and style consistency; and supporting town halls and onsite communication needs.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
Communications Specialist supports IHSC by developing internal communication plans, drafting and editing leadership messages, newsletters, web content, briefings, and other products; managing digital distributions and projects; coordinating with subject matter experts; ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and style consistency; and supporting town halls and onsite communication needs.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-Situational telework may be available, based on the needs of the agency. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-Please note that upon selection, the candidate must live within 50 miles of an IHSC Field Office. Salary $1 - $150,000 per year
Please note that the salary is dependent on the officers rank, years in service, and location of duty station.
Pay scale & grade
CC 5
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No
Drug test Yes Security clearance Other Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number IHSC-ICU-CS-O5-NS-2026 Control number 882778100
This job is open to
Help
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Applicants must be a current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer or USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidate. Civilians are not eligible for this position.
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Duties
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develops and implements strategic internal communication plans for IHSC, using broadcast messages, digital platforms, newsletters, magazines, communication workgroups, and live Town Hall meetings to enhance communication across the organization.
Coordinates planning, content development, review, and quarterly publication of the IHSC Communicator magazine, and oversees its dissemination to field facilities.
Drafts, edits, and reviews a wide range of communication products, including speeches, web content, magazines, newsletters, briefings, pamphlets, handbooks, training materials, manuals, regulations, guidebooks, standard operating procedures, and other written materials to convey complex IHSC information clearly and accurately.
Uses Adobe design programs and Microsoft Office products to write, edit, design, format, and maintain content in appropriate style for both print and online mediums.
Works closely with staff across IHSC and the Office of the Chief of Staff, providing excellent customer service while coordinating information needs, reviewing messages prior to dissemination, and responding to service requests.
Collaborates with teams and subject matter experts to produce content that is timely, accurate, and consistent with agency policy, standards for style, format, and accessibility, and applicable laws, regulations, and internal review and approval processes.
Manages communication projects and assigned tasks from inception through completion, including planning, timelines, resource coordination, and workload management to meet inflexible deadlines and organizational priorities.
Sends and manages distribution of messages, announcements, and other communication products across digital platforms and internal communication channels.
Contributes to the development, implementation, and refinement of IHSC communication policies, procedures, standards, and best practices.
Provides leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior communications staff and contractors, and may serve as a team or project lead on major communication initiatives.
Deploys for up to 30 days per year to internal facilities, as needed, through IHSCs TDY On-Call Schedule (ITOS) Program to support onsite communication needs.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time (6-8 hours).
Performing repeated bending motion.
Average manual dexterity for computer operation.
Phone use for extended periods of time.
Education
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Possesses a qualifying degree for the officers category and an advanced degree (e.g., M.A. or M.S.) from an accredited institution, plus a minimum of five years of professional experience relevant to the officers category.
Demonstrates expert writing skills to draft announcements, magazine articles, and other products, and to consolidate complex information for dissemination across the organization.
Uses desktop publishing programs to create professional communication documents such as newsletters, postcards, flyers, invitations, and brochures.
Reviews and edits documents for plain language and appropriate audience, ensuring correct grammar, punctuation, and usage.
Applies program policies, guidelines, and operating procedures related to communications to a wide range of assignments.
Understands the organizations, functions, and responsibilities of all levels of government operations as they relate to communications.
Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules, priorities, and work-related requirements.
Works with a high degree of independence, initiative, and follow-through on a wide range of sensitive, complex, and program issues.
Possesses knowledge and proficiency in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications and GovDelivery for drafting, formatting, and disseminating communication products.
Additional information
This U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC), Office of the Chief of Staff, IHSC Communications Unit, Communications Team. This is a non-supervisory position.
IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1,650 employees, including PHS commissioned officers, federal civil servants, and contract staff. In FY 2025, IHSC managed a health care system that provided direct care to more than 171,000 detained aliens housed at 17 IHSC-staffed facilities nationwide. IHSC provided medical, dental, mental health, and public health services, resulting in nearly 1.4 million health care encounters in FY 2025. IHSC also managed off-site medical care for detained aliens housed in about 217 additional non-IHSC-staffed facilities.
The Communications Unit oversees official communications with internal and external audiences, maintains IHSC websites and collaboration platforms, and supports senior leadership and all IHSC units, offices, programs, and facilities. The Communications Unit develops and implements communication strategies that support the agencys mission; produces electronic and printed products, including leadership messages, newsletters, fact sheets, talking points; plans and executes internal campaigns; reviews policies, reports, and other documents before publication; and coordinates town halls and similar events. The Communications Unit provides expert writing and editing services to clearly explain complex medical and operational information, advises leadership on communication approaches, and ensures consistent, accurate information sharing across the organization.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The communications specialist works under the supervision of the Communications Team lead.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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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 authoritys discretion. You will be notified of selection or non-selection.
Benefits
Help
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
Required Documents
Help
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.
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For IHSC USPHS officers only, 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.
New Call to Active Duty
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
Help
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 09/22/2026.
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.
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.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
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.
A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF).
*Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER). (Place under "Performance Appraisal")
For IHSC USPHS officers only, 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.
New Call to Active Duty
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
Help
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 09/22/2026.
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.
Expand Hide how to apply
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.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
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.
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
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what its like to work at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://www.ice.gov/detain/ice-health-service-corps
Summary
Communications Specialist supports IHSC by developing internal communication plans, drafting and editing leadership messages, newsletters, web content, briefings, and other products; managing digital distributions and projects; coordinating with subject matter experts; ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and style consistency; and supporting town halls and onsite communication needs.
This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-Situational telework may be available, based on the needs of the agency. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-Please note that upon selection, the candidate must live within 50 miles of an IHSC Field Office. Salary $1 - $150,000 per year
Please note that the salary is dependent on the officers rank, years in service, and location of duty station.
Pay scale & grade
CC 5
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No
Drug test Yes Security clearance Other Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number IHSC-ICU-CS-O5-NS-2026 Control number 882778100
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