Operational Psychologist

Battelle•Norfolk, VA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Research and Analytics (HRA) business line is seeking a highly motivated, full-time Operational Psychologist to join our team in support of our government customer, U.S. Special Operations Command. This position will play a critical role in advancing the Preservation of the Forces and Family (POTFF) program, which is dedicated to optimizing and sustaining the mission readiness, longevity, and performance of Special Operations Forces (SOF). Through integrated and holistic human performance initiatives, POTFF strengthens both the Forces and their families, ensuring comprehensive support for those who serve. As an Operational Psychologist, you will contribute to impactful research and analytics that drive evidence-based decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of these vital programs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of SOF personnel and their families while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. The Operational Psychologist provides expert clinical and operational psychological services to SOF, including developing and managing unit-level behavioral health initiatives, conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, offering crisis responses, executive coaching, and professional development for SOF personnel and leadership. This role will provide direct support in the assessment, selection, baseline and post-event neuropsychological screening, and human performance enhancement of personnel to support mission readiness in high-stakes environments. Additionally, the Operational Psychologist ensures compliance with professional standards, maintains credentialing, manages referrals and records, and collaborates with command and community agencies to optimize psychological health and performance.

Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from an American Psychology Association accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology
Successful completion of an Internship/Residency in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association
At least two years’ post-doctoral experience within the past five years in the independent practice of psychology in operational psychology, preferably in a government setting such as a Department of Defense (DOD) or Intelligence Community (IC)
Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a psychologist in one of any U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands
Meet clinical competency requirements specified in the Service-specific credentialing instructions
Possess a working knowledge of professional standards and ethics regarding the delivery of clinical psychology programs.
Demonstrate sufficient computer literacy to operate a personal computer utilizing psychological test, word processing, database/spread sheet programs, and possess basic typing skills sufficient to efficiently produce the psychologist’s own reports and correspondence
Ability to conduct, administer, and interpret the full spectrum of psychological assessment tools and to consult with command personnel.
Ability to manage relevant process improvements, program validations, and related research
Possess a mastery of psychological assessment, behavioral health, behavioral research, and familiarity with organizational effectiveness literature, operational psychology, performance enhancement and training, industrial/organizational psychology, and social and operational psychology
Possess experience and training in the assessment and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse conditions, domestic violence, child abuse, post-traumatic stress, mood and anxiety conditions, and family/marital issues
May be required to receive and maintain clinical practice privileges
Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) from the American Heart Association, with documentation provided
Ability to effectively communicate orally and written
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

Nice To Haves

Prior education and training in personnel assessment and selection with two years of experience
Prior military and/or SOF experience is preferred
One year of experience in performance enhancement or executive coaching as well as organizational assessment and consultation and/or completion of the USASOC Operational Psychology in Personnel Selection course or similar organizational psychology classes
Training in critical incident/stress trauma interventions
Capability of meeting the physical demands of selection and training events including the ability to hike over rough terrain, work long irregular hours with disruption in sleep cycles, and function in austere environments
Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) orientation and/or certification through the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA), or the willingness to obtain it

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise, guidance, and direct services in the areas of clinical and operational psychology to SOF
Develop, plan and initiate unit level resiliency programs for preventing and treating behavioral health issues to support all aspects of service member readiness and resilience
Provide technical expertise, consultation, and direct support in the areas of assessment and selection of personnel, operational support, individual/team/organizational assessment and performance enhancement, executive coaching and leadership development, research, conduct advanced training designed to maximize performance and resilience of SOF personnel to accomplish mission objectives in potentially time-constrained, high-stakes, ambiguous and hostile operating environments, and the provision of psychological services to unit members
Conduct, administer, and interpret a full spectrum of psychological assessment measures and consult with command personnel
Manage relevant process improvement, program validation, and related research
Develop and manage appropriate personnel selection records and filing systems
Assume responsibility for management of referrals and disposition of referrals for behavioral health care
Provide professional development and awareness education to leadership and SOF personnel as requested
Provide crisis response and follow-up care in the event of unit casualties or other serious incidents
Function as liaison between unit personnel and base/community helping professionals/agencies
Function as primary supporter of the assessment and selection of incoming personnel and provide feedback to unit leadership on suitability of personnel to serve within certain military organizations or positions
Ensure all work meets professional standards and guidelines defined by the organization's commander and/or Senior Operational Psychologist
Provide technical expertise, consultation, and direct support in the areas of assessment and selection of personnel, operational support, human performance enhancement, and the provision of clinical services to unit members
Conduct baseline and post-event neuropsychological screening and will collect/analyze data and monitor trends in psychological health as directed
Maintain credentialing requirements in good standing at a local MTF