Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) - Army Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program

Position Objective:

Train Soldiers to develop and use the cognitive skills necessary to perform optimally in training and operations, with the primary objective of improving overall readiness. This role manages and provides education-based on cognitive performance and tailored training programs for individuals and teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work as part of the H2F Performance Team to develop a comprehensive, periodized education and services program integrated and synchronized with the BDE and Battalion (BN) training calendars
  • Success is determined by the ability of the BDE to perform its combat mission
• Manage and provide education based on cognitive performance and tailored training programs for individuals and teams
• Assist and advise the CPS Program Director in matters relating to mental performance, exercise and sports psychology
• Provide information about mental performance, exercise and sports psychology factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity
• Train and educate on goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning
• Participate in periodic meetings to review human performance training provided to Soldiers and identify opportunities for improvement
• Attend and participate in meetings with the H2F Performance Team as requested and/or required. Collaborate with the H2F Performance Team staff to enhance the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise delivered
• Conduct periodic literature reviews to ensure H2F Performance Team stays current with the provision of care
• Support research conducted in coordination with the CPS PD and/or BDE PD
• Assist the CPS PD and/or BDE PD in developing and maintaining practice guidelines to ensure consistency of service across the BDE
• Attend required training IAW guiding instructions
• Develop and promulgate training materials to support the BDE non-physical performance optimization
• Participate in periodic in-service training for members of the H2F Performance Team
• Collect and report data in support of cognitive performance optimization to the CPS PD and/or BDE PD
  • Data requirements and frequency will be coordinated with the CPS PD and/or BDE PD
• Document work performed, utilization, recommendations, and all other information in the designated H2F System reporting database
• Operationalize resilience core competencies
• Identify and cultivate existing mental skill sets to assist the Soldier in performing optimally during physical, technical, and tactical training in preparation for combat operations, garrison, and life stressors
• Recognize and address mental barriers to physical performance by focusing on stress and emotional regulation; normalizes physiological responses to stress, to include combat situations; conducts tactical breathing and arousal regulation, team cohesion, imagery, and provides cognitive/learning strategies
• Support the H2F Performance Teams. GAP CPSs will be assigned specifically to designated units but may be required to travel locally to various cantonment training areas to perform services
• Travel may be required in order to support units subordinate at other installations that are subordinate to the supported BDEs

Basic Qualifications:

• Qualified CPSs candidates will possess a Master’s degree (Doctoral degree preferred) in Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology
• CPSs shall possess one of the following: licensure as a psychologist with a proficiency in sports psychology as recognized in Division 47 of the American Psychological Association, Certified Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CC-AASP), Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), or Board-Certified Sport Psychologist through the American Board of Sport Psychology (ABSP).  If individual does not possess either of these licensures or certifications, at minimum must obtain their CMPC certification within 2 years of being hired into the role.  
• CPS shall have three years of demonstrable accumulated experience within the past five years as a mental performance coach or sport psychology practitioner with individual athletes and groups of athletes at the levels of NCAA Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, and/or Service Members in the accompanying, respective settings. At least one year working directly with Service Members in a performance and/or resilience training and education setting is preferred. Previous Military service is desired, but not required.
• Candidate must be able to pass and maintain Tier 1 clearance
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• GAP CPS will be capable of properly lifting and manipulating loads or weights up to 25 kilograms and capable of meeting physical demands of training with Soldiers including the ability to hike over rough terrain, function in austere environments to observe Soldier training evolutions and to conduct training and education
• Must have the ability to read, write and speak English effectively with Soldiers and H2F staff
• Have the ability to operate a computer utilizing Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel
• Must be able to navigate and operate with unit SharePoint sites

Minimum Qualifications:

• Able to advise a unit commander on the implementation of cognitive enhancement programs to optimize specific performances
• Experience identifying and cultivating existing mental skill sets to assist the Soldier in performing optimally during physical, technical, and tactical training
• Candidates must demonstrate sufficient initiative, interpersonal relationship skills and social sensitivity such that they can relate to a variety of Soldiers from diverse backgrounds
• Candidate must follow all Government designated work attire standards, social media standards and professional work requirements as stated with the TO

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

GAP Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.

This position is contingent upon contract award.