Cognitive Performance Specialist

About the role

SCT seeks an experienced Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) to support a proposal for Army National Guard Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Performance Team services. The CPS supports Soldier readiness by developing and delivering programs that enhance cognitive readiness, mental skills, and human performance.

The CPS works directly with Soldiers, unit leaders, and other H2F Performance Team specialists to improve focus, self-regulation, adaptability, confidence, sleep-related performance habits, and stress-response skills.

This position also coaches and mentors unit Master Resilience Trainers and H2F-Integrators to strengthen the unit's organic ability to sustain mental readiness training during military training and between unit assemblies.

Duties

• Design and implement a comprehensive mental readiness training program based on the principles of performance psychology.
• Develop and provide practical mental skills resources, including tip sheets, guided audio exercises, and leader discussion guides.
• Train Soldiers in evidence-based cognitive skills to enhance performance under pressure, including attention control, goal setting, energy management, stress inoculation, visualization, and effective self-talk.
• Teach practical stress-response techniques, including deliberate breathing and mindfulness.
• Conduct classroom instruction and field-based coaching, integrating cognitive skills into marksmanship, field exercises, leadership reaction courses, and other relevant military training.
• Coordinate with H2F Performance Team specialists to synchronize cognitive performance programming with other H2F domains and unit training priorities.
• Coach and mentor unit Master Resilience Trainers and H2F-Integrators through reach-back support, advanced skill training, and subject matter expertise.
• Provide documented mentorship to at least 80 percent of designated H2F Integration Teams each quarter.
• Maintain expert knowledge of applicable Army H2F standards, doctrine, and regulations, including FM 7-22, the Army Fitness Test, AR 600-9, and AR 350-1.
• Maintain professional communication with unit leadership, Government representatives, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Psychology, Counseling, or Kinesiology, with a specialized focus in sport or performance psychology, from an accredited university.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant postgraduate experience providing mental skills training and cognitive performance enhancement services to athletes, military personnel, or other high-performing groups.

Professional Certifications

• Certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) highly desired.
• Maintain all required professional credentials, licenses, and certifications throughout employment.

Operational Requirements

• Possess a valid Class C operator's permit/driver's license and the ability to become licensed to operate GSA fleet vehicles and commercial rental vehicles within 180 days of employment.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support ARNG weekend unit assemblies, periods of unit annual training, and other scheduled events.

Additional information

Location: Frankfort, KY - Primarily on-site at the government location, with travel to support unit training events, workshops, and other functions; occasional telework may be authorized, subject to government approval.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this full-time position is $70,000 to $78,000 annually. The final salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and contractual requirements, as applicable.

SCT offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; employer paid basic life and short-term disability insurance; voluntary supplemental insurance options; paid time off and paid holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, subject to plan eligibility requirements.