Cognitive Performance Specialist (POTFF) - Multiple Locations

Maximus•Chesapeake, VA

1d•$59,100 - $124,100

About The Position

The Cognitive Performance Specialist 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 role provides individual and group education, training, and consultation in areas such as adaptive thinking, executive function, sleep, emotional control, goal setting, visualization, and related performance strategies. The specialist collaborates with human performance professionals to support SOF brain health, cognitive readiness, and optimal performance in high-stress training and operational environments. The position supports operations at one or more listed locations: Dam Neck, Virginia; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Carson, Colorado; Hawaii; Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance or be eligible to obtain and maintain one as required for contract performance. The position is contingent upon contract award, with work anticipated to begin in early 2027. The role includes supervising a team, ensuring adequate staff coverage and that contract and individual service-level requirements are met, serving as a subject matter expert, and working with contract management and shared services to identify improvements and efficiencies. The specialist may attend client and stakeholder meetings and performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
An active U.S. Government Secret security clearance, or eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance as required for contract performance.
A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, or relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
At least two years of related experience.
A current LCSW or LMSW license valid in the state of practice.
A master's degree 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.
BCIA heart rate variability (HRV) training certification, a relevant BCIA certification, or at least one year of demonstrable experience delivering HRV training in a high-performance setting.
Willingness to obtain the BCIA HRV certificate of completion within one year of hire if not already obtained.
At least three years of post-graduate demonstrable accumulated experience as a cognitive performance practitioner or sport psychologist.
Relevant experience may include working with military members; NCAA collegiate, Olympic, or professional athletes or groups; tactical populations; or individuals and groups requiring high levels of mental and physical performance.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree.
Experience with Special Operations personnel.

Responsibilities

Supervise a team of employees and cultivate a high-performance team.
Ensure adequate staff coverage for the assigned program area.
Serve as a subject matter expert for the identified program area and labor category.
Ensure the assigned team meets contract requirements, individual service-level agreements, and related requirements.
Work with contract management and shared services to identify improvement and efficiency opportunities.
Attend client and stakeholder meetings as needed.
Use evidence-based or peer-reviewed literature to train and educate SOF personnel, individually and in groups, 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.
Assist and advise the POTFF Program Manager/Coordinator or Government Lead on mental performance and sport psychology matters.
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.
Support 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 and documented and approved through local POTFF leadership.

Benefits

Flexible work/life balance support.
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans, plus a partially funded HSA.
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 resources supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Employee recognition platform.
Tuition reimbursement.
Employee discounts, special offers, and other employee-only benefits.
Wellness programs and resources.
Training programs, workshops, conferences, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Coverage of costs associated with renewing required licenses and certifications.