Cognitive Performance Specialist

Holistic Health & Fitness Team

Fort Johnson, LA

M-F, 40 hrs/week

REQUIREMENTS:

• Possess a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Human Performance, Sport Psychology, Kinesiology/ Exercise Science, or Counseling/ Clinical Psychology from an accredited college or university.
• Obtain the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Certification as a Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), within two years of starting the position.
• Have 3 years of accumulated mental performance coaching/consulting experience within the past five years, preferably within the Sport or Tactical Domain working with collegiate athletes or members of the Military. (*Military veterans are preferentially hired, with some experience requirements waived.)
• Have the ability to read, write, and speak English, demonstrate initiative and effectively communicate with Soldiers, fellow H2F Team members, and Army Leaders from diverse backgrounds. Able to competently utilize a laptop computer and MS products including Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Proficient and experienced providing formal training to groups (up to 100 people), and coaching individual Soldiers to improve critical thinking skills, develop resilience and emotional regulation, and enhance memory and recall under stress. The CPS must be equipped with a strong growth mindset and internal drive to take on challenges with persistence and professionalism, and exemplify character traits of humility, integrity, adaptability, and openness to successfully collaborate with fellow H2F Team members to achieve the goals and objectives established by the Program Director and Army Leadership.
• Able to carry or manipulate loads or weights up to 45 pounds, and meet the physical demands of training in all types of weather with Soldiers, e.g., hiking/climbing over rough terrain, observing, coaching and mentoring Soldiers taking part in field exercises or training in austere environments.

Description of Work:

As an integral part of the H2F Performance Teams, Cognitive Performance Specialists provide assistance to Soldiers by helping them develop a resilient combat mindset, higher self-efficacy, improved motivation, more productive coping and problem-solving skills, and enhanced skill acquisition and execution. Additionally, the CPS can help SMs create professional and personal goals, and cope with mental challenges such as anxiety and dysfunctional thought patterns before and during qualifying tests, selections to elite schools, or promotion boards that can negatively affect optimal performance. H2F Cognitive Performance Specialists use techniques such as Socratic interviewing, mental imagery/visualization, mindfulness, self-talk, breathing exercises, and energy management, helping Soldiers learn to re-frame cognitive, physical and emotional stress responses as facilitative rather than debilitating to their performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist and advise the Mental Readiness PD/Occupational Therapist (Tier 2) and BDE PD in developing and maintaining practice guidelines relating to Soldier resilience, mental readiness, cognitive exercise, and sport psychology to ensure consistency of service across the BDE.
• Coordinate, execute, and manage evidence-based Cognitive Performance Optimization training programs within the framework of the unit’s (BDE, BN or Company) training/operational schedule, battle rhythm, and culture. Deliver capabilities briefs as requested to BDE, BN and Company (or equivalent) leadership to help them better understand CPS’ capabilities and value-added.
• Participate in periodic meetings with the Mental Readiness PD/Occupational Therapist (Tier 2), BDE PD and unit (BDE, BN or Company) leadership and inform on H2F System cognitive training programs, providing recommendations/feedback on Soldier/unit progression as required. Collaborate with other members of the H2F Team to enhance the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise delivered.
• As appropriate, the CPS shall meet with behavioral health officers and chaplains who have identified Soldiers who would benefit from performance optimization.
• Conduct periodic literature reviews to ensure H2F Performance Team stays current with the cognitive performance evidence-based research. Collect and report data in support of cognitive performance optimization programs as directed to the Mental Readiness PD/Occupational Therapist (Tier 2) and/or BDE PD.
• Document work performed, utilization, recommendations, and all other information in the designated H2F System reporting database.
• Attend and complete all required initial and annual training as directed by the U.S. Army, GAP Solutions Lead CPS, and adhere to all contract employee guidance and requirements from Guardian Defense Group, Inc

About Guardian Defense Group, Inc.

Guardian Defense Group Inc. (GDG) is a Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with 15 years of multifaceted experience and subject matter expertise creating holistic human performance optimization programs for the modern warfighter that build and sustain resilience to injury and stress, while enhancing physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. We are cognitive thought leaders comprised of a unique fusion of psychological professionals, human performance SMEs and Tier 1 combat veterans with the educational credentials, real-world operational expertise and proven performance to make GDG the #1 choice for elite team assessment and selection, leadership development programs and targeted training solutions encompassing every phase of skill acquisition to achieve maximum combat readiness.

Relocation assistance available

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work setting:

• In-person

Ability to Relocate:

• Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person