The Assistant Health Services Administrator (AHSA) Recruitment 2026 is a high-level and prestigious government job opportunity for professionals with strong experience in healthcare administration and leadership. This vacancy is released under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for its specialized medical division, the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC).
This role is not a routine healthcare job. It involves managing large-scale healthcare operations within detention facilities, ensuring compliance with strict federal policies, and maintaining high standards of medical, dental, mental health, and public health services. The position is open only to U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps Officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates, making it a highly specialized federal opportunity.
About ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC)
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is responsible for providing direct and indirect healthcare services to individuals in ICE custody across the United States. IHSC ensures that detainees receive medical care that meets constitutional, federal, and international standards.
IHSC operations include:
- Daily medical care for over 15,000 detainees at designated facilities
- Oversight of healthcare services for more than 30,000 detainees nationwide
- Medical support during ICE enforcement operations on land, air, and sea
- Management of off-site specialty and emergency care
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The scale and responsibility of IHSC operations make leadership roles like AHSA extremely important.
Post Overview – AHSA Recruitment 2026
The Assistant Health Services Administrator (AHSA) serves as a senior supervisory officer and supports the Health Services Administrator (HSA) in managing healthcare services at medium to large ICE detention facilities.
Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Health Services Administrator (AHSA) |
| Job Nature | Permanent, Full-Time |
| Pay Scale | CC-5 |
| Salary | Up to $150,000 per year |
| Duty Location | United States (Facility-based) |
| Supervisory Role | Yes |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Portal | USAJOBS |
| Last Date | 30 September 2026 |
Salary depends on officer rank, years of service, and duty station.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen
Eligible Candidates
This recruitment is not open to civilians. Only the following are eligible:
- Current USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers
- USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration or a related discipline (preferred)
- Degree must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
Higher education in healthcare management, public health, or hospital administration is considered an advantage.
Experience Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Minimum two years of management experience as a uniformed service officer
OR - Minimum one year of healthcare administration experience as a uniformed service officer
Additional Preferred Experience
- Correctional or detention healthcare experience
- Experience managing multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Knowledge of accreditation standards such as ACA, NCCHC, and PBNDS
Key Responsibilities of Assistant Health Services Administrator
The AHSA acts as the supporting Responsible Health Authority (RHA) and works closely with the Health Services Administrator, Clinical Director, and Nurse Manager as part of the leadership triad.
Major Duties Include:
- Supervising daily healthcare operations in detention facilities
- Ensuring compliance with IHSC policies, federal laws, and accreditation standards
- Managing government healthcare staff and resolving personnel issues
- Monitoring and administering healthcare contracts and services
- Acting as alternate Government Technical Monitor (GTM)
- Reviewing invoices and ensuring compliance with federal procurement rules
- Managing clinic budgets, equipment, and government-furnished property
- Overseeing quality assurance, safety, and risk management programs
- Monitoring incidents, sentinel events, and potential litigation cases
This role requires high-level judgment, leadership ability, and decision-making skills.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
The AHSA role is classified as hazardous duty due to the detention setting.
Candidates must be able to:
- Walk, jog, and stand for extended periods
- Lift or carry items weighing over 30 pounds
- Assist injured or ill detainees during emergencies
- Perform CPR and emergency care
- Work efficiently in stressful and high-responsibility environments
Salary Structure & Benefits
Salary
- Maximum salary up to $150,000 annually
- Actual pay depends on:
- Officer rank
- Length of service
- Location of duty station
Benefits of Federal Service
- Comprehensive federal health insurance
- Retirement and pension benefits
- Paid leave and holidays
- Career advancement opportunities
- Relocation expense reimbursement (as per policy)
Federal employment under DHS is known for long-term stability and professional respect.
Service Commitment & Travel
Selected candidates must:
- Commit to 18–24 months of service with IHSC
- Participate in IHSC TDY On-Call Schedule (ITOS)
- Be available for up to 25% official travel
Selection Process
The AHSA selection process is transparent and merit-based:
- Online application submission
- Qualification and document review
- Interview (if required)
- Background investigation and credentialing
- Final selection and appointment
Only candidates meeting all eligibility and qualification requirements are considered.
Required Documents
For Current USPHS Officers
- Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
- USPHS Promotion CV
- Academic degrees and licenses
- Three professional references
- Certificate of Investigation
- Recent performance reports
For Call to Active Duty Candidates
- Cover letter (with preferred location)
- CV
- Degrees and professional licenses
- References
- Proof of USPHS appointment decision
Incomplete applications may lead to rejection.
How to Apply Online
Applications must be submitted through the official USAJOBS portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the USAJOBS website
- Log in or create a new account
- Search for Assistant Health Services Administrator – IHSC
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
- Submit before 30 September 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
Why Choose AHSA as a Career?
- Senior leadership role in federal healthcare
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Opportunity to serve public health and national mission
- Exposure to large-scale healthcare systems
- Strong professional growth and job security
Conclusion
The Assistant Health Services Administrator Recruitment 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for qualified USPHS officers who wish to advance their careers in federal healthcare leadership. With its high salary potential, supervisory authority, and national importance, this position stands out among government healthcare jobs.
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should prepare their documents carefully and apply well before the deadline to maximize their chances of selection.
