Operational Psychologist, LCSW (POTFF)

Maximus•Jacksonville, NC

1d•$59,100 - $124,100•Remote

About The Position

The Operational Psychologist (OP) applies behavioral science principles to support assessment and selection processes and enhance the readiness and resiliency of Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel. The OP provides expert command consultation, conducts government-approved research and program evaluation, supports sensitive activities, and delivers advanced training to maximize SOF personnel performance and resilience in support of mission objectives. The position provides technical expertise, guidance, and direct services in clinical and operational psychology. The OP collaborates with an active-duty Operational Psychologist when available, or works independently when one is not available, to develop and plan unit-level resiliency programs that identify, prevent, and treat behavioral health issues. The OP also supports assessment and selection programs, operational support, individual and organizational assessment, performance enhancement, executive coaching, and leadership development. The role includes administering and interpreting psychological assessments, consulting with command personnel, managing referrals, maintaining selection records, supporting process improvement and program validation, conducting approved research, and providing crisis response and follow-up care. The OP may assist across POTFF domains when deemed mission essential and serves as a liaison between unit personnel and helping professionals or agencies. Work must meet professional standards set by the commander and/or Senior OP and the American Psychological Association’s Practice Guidelines of Operational Psychology. The position is pending contract award. U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must hold an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. The role requires the ability to meet the physical demands of selection and training events, including hiking over rough terrain, working long and irregular hours with disrupted sleep cycles, and functioning in austere environments. The employee must permanently reside in the Continental United States and maintain a private, secure home work area with specified internet connectivity and equipment.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
An active U.S. Government Secret security clearance, or eligibility to obtain and maintain one 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.
Current LCSW or LMSW license valid in the state of practice.
A PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology from an APA-accredited college or university.
At least two years of peer-reviewable post-doctoral experience in independent psychology practice in operational psychology.
Successful completion of an APA-accredited psychology internship or residency.
Computer literacy sufficient to use a personal computer, psychological test, word-processing, database, and spreadsheet programs, and produce reports and correspondence.
Ability to conduct, administer, and interpret the full spectrum of psychological assessment tools and consult with command personnel.
Experience managing process improvements, program validations, and related government-approved research.
Mastery of psychological assessment, behavioral health and research, organizational effectiveness literature, operational psychology, performance enhancement and training, industrial/organizational psychology, and social and operational psychology.
Ability to receive and maintain clinical practice privileges, if required.
Experience and training in assessment and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, post-traumatic stress, mood and anxiety conditions, and family or marital issues.
Specialized training and education that prepare the individual for operational psychology duties.
Capability to meet the physical demands of selection and training events, including hiking over rough terrain, working long and irregular hours with disrupted sleep cycles, and functioning in austere environments.
Permanent residence in the Continental United States.
Home internet speed of at least 25 Mbps, or 50 Mbps for shared internet connectivity, and minimum upload speed of 5 Mbps.
Internet connection to the home router via a Category 5 or 6 Ethernet patch cable, a private and secure work area, and an adequate power source.
A smartphone required to log into Maximus systems.

Nice To Haves

Prior operational psychology experience in a government setting such as the Department of War or the Intelligence Community.
Prior experience working with physicians providing medical psychological services, military experience, and/or SOF experience.
One year of experience in performance enhancement or executive coaching, 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 and stress trauma interventions.
SERE orientation and/or certification through the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, or willingness to obtain it.
Post-doctoral training qualifying the individual as an Aerospace Psychologist, or willingness to obtain training; for AFSOC and other organizations with aviation capabilities, this includes USAF and/or USA aviation psychology training, including USAFSAM’s Air Force Aviation Mishap Intervention and Prevention course and USASAM’s Aeromedical Psychology Training Course.

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 area of program knowledge.
Ensure the assigned team meets contract and individual service-level agreements and related requirements.
Work with contract management and shared services to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
Attend client and stakeholder meetings as needed.
Provide technical expertise, guidance, and direct clinical and operational psychology services to SOF personnel.
Collaborate with an active-duty Operational Psychologist, or independently when one is unavailable, to develop and plan unit-level resiliency programs.
Support the development and implementation of assessment and selection programs to improve person/job match, team cohesion, adaptability, and operational effectiveness.
Provide consultation and direct support in assessment and selection, operational support, individual, team, and organizational assessment, performance enhancement, executive coaching, and leadership preservation and development.
Use assessment and selection data to strengthen SOF operators’ ability to learn performance-based strategies during high-risk training and enhance survivability and force effectiveness.
Conduct, administer, and interpret psychological assessment measures and consult with command personnel.
Manage process improvement, program validation, government-approved research, and appropriate personnel selection records and filing systems.
Assist across POTFF domain efforts when deemed mission essential by local unit government supervisors within POTFF or by the Commander.
Manage behavioral health care referrals and their disposition.
Provide professional development and education to leadership and SOF personnel as requested.
Provide crisis response and follow-up care after unit casualties or other serious incidents.
Serve as a liaison between unit personnel and base or community helping professionals or agencies.
Support assessment and selection for incoming personnel and provide unit leadership feedback on suitability for specific military organizations or positions.
Ensure work meets professional standards and guidelines established by the commander and/or Senior OP and the APA Practice Guidelines of Operational Psychology.
Maintain independent-practice privileges and credentials in good standing with appropriate authorities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance plans.
Partially funded health savings account.
Life insurance and additional insurance discounts.
401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
Paid time off, paid holidays, and extended sick leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Program supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Employee recognition programs.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
Employee discounts, special offers, and 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.