Special Operations Cognitive Performance Specialist (National Capital Region)

KBR • Washington DC Metro Area, DC

23h

About The Position

The Special Operations Cognitive Performance Specialist trains SOF personnel, with priority given to SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel, to develop and use cognitive skills that support optimal performance in training and operations. The role provides services in support of POTFF’s Physical program for SOF personnel, using evidence-based, peer-reviewed literature to guide training and education in cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagement, and emotional-control skills and strategies.

The specialist collaborates with Human Performance staff, program managers and coordinators, medical personnel, and other POTFF staff. The position also contributes to practice guidelines, research, literature reviews, training quality improvement, and documentation in the HP Enterprise-wide database. The role requires compliance with command training and applicable safety, health, environmental, and quality assurance requirements. Physical duties include lifting and manipulating loads up to 25 kilograms and participating in SOF training in rough terrain, austere environments, aircraft, watercraft, and ground transport.

The position offers relocation. Candidates joining KBR’s Mission Technology Solutions business before its planned spin-off are expected to transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• A Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain a clearance.
• 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.
• At least 3 years of post-graduate-degree demonstrable accumulated experience as a cognitive performance practitioner or Sport Psychologist working with military members, athletes, groups of NCAA collegiate, Olympic, or professional athletes, people in tactical settings, or individuals or groups requiring high levels of mental and physical performance.
• A BCIA certificate of completion of training for heart rate variability (HRV), or a relevant BCIA certification; alternatively, at least 1 year of demonstrable experience delivering HRV training in a high-performance setting and willingness to obtain the BCIA HRV certificate within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to lift and manipulate loads or weights up to 25 kilograms and meet the physical demands of training with SOF, including hiking over rough terrain and functioning in austere environments and on aircraft, watercraft, or ground transport.
• Compliance with safety, health, environmental, quality assurance, and required command training requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree.
• Experience with Special Operations personnel.
• Prior military and/or SOF experience.
• Cognitive enhancement certification, such as BCIA biofeedback certification; the hiring unit may require the contractor to obtain and maintain this certification.

Responsibilities

• Train and educate SOF personnel individually and in groups, using evidence-based peer-reviewed literature, in cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagement, and emotional-control skills and strategies.
• Support the understanding, acquisition, retention, improvement, and maintenance of performance skills, and document work performed and services provided.
• Assist and advise the HP Program Manager and/or Coordinator on mental performance, exercise psychology, and sport psychology.
• Provide information about mental performance, exercise and sport psychology factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity.
• Train and educate personnel on goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning.
• Participate in periodic meetings to review human performance training provided to patients and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Attend and participate in meetings with POTFF staff and medical personnel as requested or required.
• Collaborate with HP staff to improve the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise.
• Conduct periodic literature reviews to keep HP current with care practices.
• Support research under the supervision of the HP Program Manager and/or Coordinator.
• Assist the HP Program Manager and/or Coordinator in developing and maintaining practice guidelines for consistent services across Human Performance Training Centers.
• Use computers, software, and technologies as required by the HP Program Manager and/or Coordinator and USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff.
• Maintain full compliance with local mandatory command training requirements and attend required training.
• Document work performed, utilization, referrals, and other information in the HP Enterprise-wide database (e.g., Smartbase), as directed.
• Comply with safety, health, environmental, and quality assurance plans, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain regular and acceptable attendance, complete required training, and perform other assignments and duties as required.
• Lift and manipulate loads or weights up to 25 kilograms and meet the physical demands of training with SOF, including hiking over rough terrain and functioning in austere environments and on aircraft, watercraft, or ground transport.

Benefits

• Relocation offered.
• Competitive lifestyle benefits may include a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability coverage, paid time off, or a flexible work schedule.
• Professional training and development to support career advancement.
• Attendance at necessary conferences or courses may be allowed to complete continuing education units required to maintain certification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level