Cognitive Performance Specialist

Job Description

The Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) manages and provides training, developing, and coaching to use cognitive skills and mental readiness strategies to perform optimally, and thrive in training and military operations within the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) contract. Develops education based on cognitive performance and tailored training programs for both individuals and teams. Coaches Soldiers in performing optimally during physical, technical, and tactical training in preparation for combat operations, garrison, and life stressors. Recognizes and addresses mental barriers to physical performance by focusing on stress and emotional regulation; normalizes physiological responses to stress, to include combat situations; conducts tactical breathing and arousal regulation, team cohesion, imagery, and provides cognitive/learning strategies.

Assists and advises the Mental Readiness Director/Occupational Therapist (MRD/OT) and Brigade Program Manager (BDE PM) in developing, implementing, training delivery, assessing, quality improvement, and consistent delivery of approved cognitive performance optimization and mental readiness training programs.

Attend periodic meetings with the MRD/OT, BDE PD, and unit leadership. Inform on H2F cognitive training and mental readiness programs, provide feedback, and make recommendations; participate in capabilities briefs to help leadership understand CPS’s capabilities.

Collect and report data in support of mental readiness and cognitive performance optimization programs.

Support research and special studies conducted by the MRD/OT and/or BDE PD.

Assist and advise the MRD/OT, BDE PD in the development of training and instructional materials, using evidence-based, current state-of-the-science literature, to train, educate, coach, and mentor Soldiers in specific skills and strategies in support of cognitive performance and mental readiness optimization and sustainment of unit mission and individual Soldier tasks. Training is synchronized and integrated with unit training/operational schedule, battle rhythm, and culture.

Deliver training and education in various settings like classroom presentations, AARs in the field, real-time coaching as Soldiers are preparing, training, or performing in the field/gym, and mentoring which typically occurs in a one-on-one engagement away from others; this could occur in an office or field setting.

Attend and actively participate in all scheduled meetings with the H2F Performance Team. Collaborate closely with the H2F Performance Team staff to significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise delivered. As needed, the CPS will meet with embedded behavioral health teams, behavioral health officers, and Unit Ministry Teams (such as chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists) who have identified Soldiers that would significantly benefit from mental readiness or cognitive performance optimization.

Assist and deliver training, education, coaching, and mentoring of Soldiers on various skills such as goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning; provide guidance on when to use different cognitive mental readiness skills and strategies such as preparation, execution, and recovery to optimize performance and recovery for Soldiers and advise leaders on how to support Soldiers as they apply goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning.

All other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree or a Doctoral degree (preferred)

Licensure as a psychologist with a proficiency in sports psychology as recognized in Division 47 of the American Psychological Association

OR (Preferred) Certified Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CCAASP) or Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) (formerly CC-AASP)

OR Obtain the CMPC certification within two years of the CPSs start of performance in support of this TO

Have three years of demonstrable accumulated experience within the past five years as a mental performance coach or sport psychology practitioner with individual athletes and groups of athletes at the levels of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, and/or Service Members in the accompanying, respective settings.

At least one year working directly with Service Members in a performance and/or resilience training and education setting is preferred.

Previous Military service is desired, but not required.

Have the ability to read, write, and speak English and effectively communicate with Soldiers and leadership.

We are hiring in the following locations:

FT Liberty (NC), FT Bliss (TX), FT Drum (NY), FT Johnson (LA), JBLM (WA), JBER (AK), FT Wainwright (AK), FT Moore (GA), FT Campbell (KY), FT Jackson (SC), FT Huachuca (AZ), FT Riley (KS)

This position is contingent upon contract award.