Cognitive Performance Specialist

The Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) manages and provides training, developing, and coaching to use cognitive skills and mental readiness strategies to perform optimally, and thrive in training and military operations within the Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) contract. Develops education based on cognitive performance and tailored training programs for both individuals and teams. Coaches Soldiers in performing optimally during physical, technical, and tactical training in preparation for combat operations, garrison, and life stressors. Recognizes and addresses 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. Assists and advises the Mental Readiness Director/Occupational Therapist (MRD/OT) and Brigade Program Manager (BDE PM) in developing, implementing, training delivery, assessing, quality improvement, and consistent delivery of approved cognitive performance optimization and mental readiness training programs. Attend periodic meetings with the MRD/OT, BDE PD, and unit leadership. Inform on H2F cognitive training and mental readiness programs, provide feedback, and make recommendations; participate in capabilities briefs to help leadership understand CPS's capabilities. Collect and report data in support of mental readiness and cognitive performance optimization programs. Support research and special studies conducted by the MRD/OT and/or BDE PD. Assist and advise the MRD/OT, BDE PD in the development of training and instructional materials, using evidence-based, current state-of-the-science literature, to train, educate, coach, and mentor Soldiers in specific skills and strategies in support of cognitive performance and mental readiness optimization and sustainment of unit mission and individual Soldier tasks. Training is synchronized and integrated with unit training/operational schedule, battle rhythm, and culture. Deliver training and education in various settings like classroom presentations, AARs in the field, real-time coaching as Soldiers are preparing, training, or performing in the field/gym, and mentoring which typically occurs in a one-on-one engagement away from others; this could occur in an office or field setting. Attend and actively participate in all scheduled meetings with the H2F Performance Team. Collaborate closely with the H2F Performance Team staff to significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise delivered. As needed, the CPS will meet with embedded behavioral health teams, behavioral health officers, and Unit Ministry Teams (such as chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists) who have identified Soldiers that would significantly benefit from mental readiness or cognitive performance optimization. Assist and deliver training, education, coaching, and mentoring of Soldiers on various skills such as goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning; provide guidance on when to use different cognitive mental readiness skills and strategies such as preparation, execution, and recovery to optimize performance and recovery for Soldiers and advise leaders on how to support Soldiers as they apply goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning. All other duties as assigned. Other Job Requirements Responsibilities Master's degree in Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology. Consultant through the Association of Applied Sports Psychology (CC-ASAP) or Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) or obtain the CMPC within two years of hire. Certification must be maintained in a current status at all times while performing services under this contract. 3+ years of experience within the last 5 years as a Mental Performance Coach or Sport Psychologist with individual athletes and groups of athletes at the levels of NCAA Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, and Soldiers in the accompanying, respective settings. 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 be able to prove U.S. Citizenship. Ability to read, write, and speak English well enough and enunciate with sufficient clarity to effectively communicate with Unit Leadership, Soldiers, H2F staff and contractors. Demonstrated initiative, interpersonal relationship skills and social sensitivity such that they can relate to a variety of Soldiers from diverse backgrounds. Ability to use computers and Microsoft applications to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must be physically able to lift and manipulate loads and weight plates up to 45 pounds. Capable of meeting physical demands of training in all types of weather with Soldiers including the ability to hike over rough terrain and function in austere environments. General Job Information Title Cognitive Performance Specialist, H2F Grade 24 Work Experience - Required Mental Performance Coach Work Experience - Preferred Education - Required Master's - Kinesiology, Master's - Psychology Education - Preferred PhD License and Certifications - Required CMPC - Certified Mental Performance Consultant - Enterprise License and Certifications - Preferred Salary Range Salary Minimum: $58,440 Salary Maximum: $93,500 This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position may be eligible for short-term incentives as well as a comprehensive benefits package. Magellan offers a broad range of health, life, voluntary and other benefits and perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.