Special Operations Cognitive Performance Specialist (Camp Lejeune (Sneads Ferry), NC)

KBR

Full-time - Mid Level

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Special Operations Cognitive Performance Specialist position at KBR is designed to enhance the cognitive skills of Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel, particularly SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel. This role is critical in training these individuals to perform optimally in both training and operational environments. The Cognitive Performance Specialist will utilize evidence-based practices from the fields of kinesiology, psychology, and motor learning to develop and implement training programs that focus on cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, and emotional control skills. The specialist will conduct training sessions in both individual and group settings, ensuring that SOF personnel acquire and retain the necessary skills for peak performance. Documentation of all training activities and outcomes will be a key responsibility, ensuring that the training provided is both effective and accountable. In addition to direct training responsibilities, the specialist will assist the Human Performance (HP) Program Manager and Coordinator in various capacities, including providing insights on mental performance factors related to sports and exercise. The role involves educating personnel on goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization techniques, and performance development strategies. Regular participation in meetings with other HP staff and medical personnel is expected to review training effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The specialist will also be responsible for conducting literature reviews to stay current with best practices in human performance training and will support research initiatives under the guidance of the HP program management. The position requires a proactive approach to maintaining compliance with local command training requirements and participating in necessary training and conferences to uphold certification standards. The specialist will be expected to proficiently use various technologies and software as required by the HP program and USSOCOM HQ, ensuring that all documentation related to training and referrals is accurately recorded in the HP Enterprise-wide database. This role is essential in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in cognitive performance training for SOF personnel.

Responsibilities

• Train and educate SOF personnel in cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills.
• Assist and advise the HP Program Manager and/or Coordinator on mental performance and exercise psychology matters.
• Provide information on mental performance factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity.
• Conduct training on goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization, and performance development.
• Participate in meetings to review human performance training and identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with HP staff to enhance mental and human performance development.
• Conduct literature reviews to ensure current practices in human performance training.
• Support research initiatives under the supervision of the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator.
• Assist in developing and maintaining practice guidelines for consistency across Human Performance Training Centers (HPTCs).
• Utilize computers, software, and technologies as required by the HP program manager and/or coordinator.
• Maintain compliance with local mandatory command training requirements.
• Attend required training and conferences for continuing education units.
• Document work performed and referrals in the HP Enterprise-wide database.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Must possess a Secret Clearance or Top Secret Clearance, or the ability to obtain one.
• Master's degree in Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology is required; a Doctoral degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a mental performance coach or Sport Psychologist with individual and group athletes at NCAA Division I, Olympic, professional, or SOF levels.
• Experience as a Government civilian or contract employee at US Army and/or Marine Corps Infantry Units may count towards qualifications if gained within the last 3 years.
• Ability to lift and manipulate loads up to 25 kilograms and meet physical demands of training with SOF personnel.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior military and/or SOF experience is desired.
• Certification as a Certified Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CC-AASP) is desired but not required.

Benefits

• 401K plan with company match
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional training and development opportunities