Cognitive Performance Specialist

Modern Government Solutions; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Government Solutions is seeking a Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) in Portland, OR. This role involves designing and delivering mental health and performance psychology programs for Special Operations Forces operators.

The ideal candidate should possess a Master's degree in a relevant field, an active Secret clearance, and a strong background in working with elite athletes. This full-time position emphasizes resilience and psychological readiness.

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
• Must hold a degree in Performance Psychology or related fields.
• 3+ years of experience with elite athletes or Special Operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop programs for operator and family readiness.
• Provide consultation on performance and health optimization.
• Administer psychological assessments as required.

Skills

Active Secret security clearance

License or certification in scope of practice

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification

Experience with elite athletes

Knowledge of performance psychology ethics

Education

Master's or Doctorate in related fields

Job description

TITLE: Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS)

LOCATION: Portland, OR

CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Secret

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time Salary

TRAVEL: 10%

POSITION SUMMARY

MGS is seeking a Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) to join an elite Human Performance Program (HPP) supporting the 125th Special Tactics Squadron (STS) in Portland, OR. In this role, you will work directly with Special Operations Forces operators to design and deliver mental health and performance psychology programs that strengthen readiness, psychological resilience, and mission capability, providing consultation, training, and crisis support that has a meaningful, lasting impact on those who serve our nation's mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES (not limited to)

• Develop individualized and unit-level programs to build operator and family readiness, resilience, and psychological capacity.
• Provide consultation and training on operational performance, interpersonal effectiveness, and psychological health optimization using cognitive and behavioral strategies.
• Meet with squadron members individually for goal setting and performance plan development, with documentation maintained per professional ethical standards.
• Report imminent harm to self, others, or mission to the unit commander, NGB medical unit, or emergency support services as required.
• Meet regularly with unit leadership to advise on performance, resilience, and organizational effectiveness.
• Administer and interpret psychological assessments, including baseline and post-event screening, in coordination with HPP reporting requirements.
• Serve as liaison with HPP staff, medical personnel, base psychological professionals, and the AFSPECWAR HPP enterprise.
• Ensure healthcare access within 2 business days of a squadron member's request and maintain a documented crisis response plan for suicidal ideation, significant life events, and serious incidents.
• Support squadron members in crisis by coordinating referrals across nonclinical, spiritual, and medical care options, including Pre-MEDCON, MEDCON, and LOD processes.
• Consult with medical personnel, legal authorities, and military commands as appropriate.
• Maintain physical proficiency to train alongside SOF, including hiking rough terrain, operating in austere environments, and lifting and manipulating loads up to 20 kilograms.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess an active Secret security clearance.
• Must possess and maintain a license or certification consistent with education and training and hold organizational membership consistent with scope of practice (e.g., AASP, APA Division 47/19, or other professional organization).
• Must possess current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• Master's degree (doctorate preferred) in Performance Psychology, Kinesiology, Cognitive Science, Psychology, or a related mental health discipline. Alternative degrees in counseling, social work, or organizational psychology also considered.
• 3+ years of experience working with individuals or groups of elite athletes at the NCAA Division I Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, and/or Special Operations/AFSPECWAR military member level.
• Prior experience working with multidisciplinary teams providing human performance and healthcare services.
• Working knowledge of professional standards and ethics in performance psychology service delivery.
• Training in clinical/counseling psychology, including suicide intervention, PTSD, substance abuse, and mood and anxiety conditions.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Psychologist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• BCIA certification in heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, or related cognitive enhancement certification as required by the hiring unit.

*Applicants selected will be United States citizens and may be subject to a government security investigation for access to classified information.*

ABOUT US

At MGS, we believe a people-first culture corresponds to organizational success through a commitment to excellence, integrity, inclusion, and an attitude that welcomes challenges meets demands, sustains growth, and drives innovation. We provide expert mission-first technical and programmatic services and solutions for the US intelligence community, the US Department of Defense, and other governmental agencies. We create people-first organizational cultures where employees feel needed in the system, not a system that needs employees. We provide you with long-term career opportunities centrally focused on our core value system: inclusion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

MGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.