Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS)

About the Role

The Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) supports the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) program by developing and applying evidence-based interventions that enhance cognitive performance, mental readiness, and behavioral skills for Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel. The CPS provides individual and group education, training, and consultation focused on adaptive thinking, executive function, sleep, emotional control, goal setting, visualization, and related performance strategies. This role collaborates with human performance professionals to support SOF brain health, cognitive readiness, and optimal performance in high-stress training and operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of employees through cultivation of a high performance team.
• Ensure adequate staff coverage for assigned program area.
• Serve as subject matter expert for identified area of program knowledge.
• Ensure assigned team is meeting contract and individual SLA's, and related requirements.
• Work with contract management and shared services to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiencies.
• May attend client and stakeholder meetings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Use evidence-based and/or peer-reviewed literature to train and educate SOF personnel in individual and group settings on cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagement, and emotional control skills and strategies.
• Support understanding, acquisition, retention, performance improvement, and performance maintenance through documented training and interventions provided to SOF personnel.
• Assist and advise the POTFF Program Manager/Coordinator or Government Lead on matters related to mental performance and sport psychology.
• Provide information, education, and training on cognitive performance factors related to exercise, sport psychology, sports, and physical activity.
• Deliver education and training on executive function, sleep, self-regulation, attention, memory, skill acquisition, goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the labor category by supporting the cognitive, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of Service Members.
• Document services in human performance enterprise-wide platforms, including HPDMS or other systems as directed by USSOCOM Directive 10-12.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by local leadership, as documented and approved through local POTFF leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, technical training, or relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of two years of related experience.
• Current LCSW or LMSW with license valid in the state of practice is required.
• Master's degree required in human performance, kinesiology, exercise science, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, sport sciences, performance psychology, psychology, or a mental health discipline with a specialization in performance psychology.
• Certification of training for heart rate variability (HRV) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), a relevant BCIA certification, or at least one (1) year of demonstrable experience delivering HRV training in a high-performance setting required.
• Must be willing to obtain the BCIA HRV certificate of completion within one (1) year of hire, if not already obtained.
• May be required to obtain and maintain certifications relevant to cognitive enhancement, as required by the hiring unit, such as BCIA biofeedback certification.
• Minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate demonstrable accumulated experience as a cognitive performance practitioner or sport psychologist.
• Experience may include working with military members; athletes or groups of athletes at the NCAA collegiate, Olympic, or professional levels; tactical populations; or individuals and groups requiring high levels of mental and physical performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree preferred.
• Experience with Special Operations personnel.

Location

Candidates residing in or near the following locations are strongly preferred: Dam Neck, VA; Eglin AFB, FL; Fort Benning, GA; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Campbell, KY; Fort Carson, CO; Hawaii; Hunter AAF, GA; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

Security Requirement

U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must possess an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance or be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as required for contract performance. This position is pending upon contract award.

Benefits

• Work/life balance support with flexibility designed to meet your personal and professional needs.
• Choice from a variety of Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription plans, plus a partially funded HSA. Access to Life Insurance and discounts on Auto, Home, Renters, and Pet Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match.
• PTO, paid holidays, extended sick leave, and Short and Long Term Disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Recognition platform to celebrate achievements and recognize colleagues.
• Tuition Reimbursement opportunities.
• Exclusive savings, special offers, and additional employee-only benefits.
• Wellness programs and tools designed to support overall health and wellness.
• Training programs, workshops, conferences, and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Licensure and Certification Support – Maximus covers the costs associated with renewing required licenses and certifications.

Pay

Minimum Salary $59,100.00 – Maximum Salary $124,100.00