Deputy Chief, Health Operations Plans and Programs (O-6 Billet) Supervisory

Deputy Chief, Health Operations Plans and Programs, provides supervisory leadership for national health operations planning, facility readiness, transitions, logistics, contingency operations, and special missions. Serves as principal advisor and Acting Chief as needed; supervises staff, directs complex projects, manages risks and resources, and coordinates with senior stakeholders. This position is only open to USPHS officers who are currently IHSC employees.

COMPETENCIES: Demonstrates senior-level leadership, sound operational judgment, and accountability in complex, high-pressure environments while managing competing priorities and ensuring timely execution under compressed timelines. Exercises independently and makes timely, risk-informed decisions that support healthcare continuity, mission readiness, and regulatory compliance. Communicates clearly and effectively with senior leaders, multidisciplinary teams, interagency stakeholders, contractors, and field personnel. Leads high-priority operational initiatives with national mission impact, balancing competing requirements and compressed timelines. Applies sound judgment to resource stewardship, including budget planning, resource allocation, procurement coordination, inventory oversight, and accountability. Identifies, evaluates, and mitigates operational, safety, compliance, logistics, staffing, and resource risks. Builds partnerships across organizational lines and achieves results through coordination, negotiation, and consensus-building. Responds effectively to changing policy, operational priorities, emergency requirements, and short-notice missions. Upholds DHS, ICE, ERO, IHSC, and U.S. Public Health Service standards of conduct, accountability, and public service. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requires physical and operational readiness to support facility inspections, mission travel, logistics assessments, and special mission requirements, including: Climbs ladders and stairs during facility inspections or readiness assessments. Conducts facility walkthroughs, inspections, and readiness assessments. Carries up to 50 pounds of medical or operational equipment over 100 yards, when mission demands require. Sits and/or stands for prolonged periods of 8 hours or more. Performs repeated bending and reaching motions during facility reviews, inventory assessments, or logistics support activities. Uses phones, computers, and collaboration platforms for extended periods. Travels up to 40 percent, including short-notice travel, to support facility reviews, transition planning, emergency response, special missions, and other operational requirements. Supports operations outside normal duty hours during urgent facility transitions, emergency responses, special missions, or other time-sensitive requirements.