Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS)

Maximus; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Health insurance plans

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Maximus seeks a Cognitive Performance Specialist to develop and apply evidence-based interventions that enhance cognitive performance, mental readiness, and behavioral skills for SOF personnel. The role delivers individual and group education, training, and consultation in adaptive thinking, executive function, sleep, emotional control, and goal setting.

Ideal candidates will hold a Master’s degree in relevant fields, an LCSW/LMSW license, and HRV certification, with strong leadership and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Master’s degree in human performance, psychology, or related discipline.
• Current LCSW or LMSW license valid in the state of practice.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team and ensure staff coverage for the program area.
• Serve as SME for identified program knowledge area.
• Train SOF personnel on cognitive performance, sleep, executive function, and self-regulation.
• Document services in enterprise platforms and maintain program records.
• Collaborate with POTFF Manager and Government Lead on cognitive performance matters.

Skills

Leadership

Training delivery

Program management

Education & training

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master’s degree in human performance, psychology, or related field

LCSW or LMSW license

Tools

HRV training certification

BCIA certification

Job description

The Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) supports the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) program by developing and applying evidence-based interventions that enhance cognitive performance, mental readiness, and behavioral skills for Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel. The CPS provides individual and group education, training, and consultation focused on adaptive thinking, executive function, sleep, emotional control, goal setting, visualization, and related performance strategies. This role collaborates with human performance professionals to support SOF brain health, cognitive readiness, and optimal performance in high-stress training and operational environments.

Candidates residing in or near the following locations are strongly preferred: Dam Neck, VA; Eglin AFB, FL; Fort Benning, GA; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Campbell, KY; Fort Carson, CO; Hawaii; Hunter AAF, GA; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must possess an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance or be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as required for contract performance. This position is pending upon contract award.

Why Maximus?

Flexibility That Fits Your Life – Work/life balance support with flexibility designed to meet your personal and professional needs.

Robust Health & Insurance Benefits – Choose from a variety of Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription plans, plus a partially funded HSA. You’ll also have access to Life Insurance and discounts on Auto, Home, Renters, and Pet Insurance.

Build Your Financial Future – Take advantage of our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match to help you plan for what's ahead.

Generous Time Away From Work – Recharge with PTO, paid holidays, extended sick leave, and Short and Long Term Disability coverage.

Wellness Beyond the Workplace – Access resources that support your physical, emotional, and financial well-being through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Recognition That Matters – Celebrate achievements and recognize colleagues through our employee recognition platform.

Invest in Your Growth – Continue your education and professional development with Tuition Reimbursement opportunities.

Employee Discounts & Perks – Enjoy exclusive savings, special offers, and additional employee-only benefits.

Wellness Programs & Resources – Explore a variety of programs and tools designed to support your overall health and wellness.

Career Development Opportunities – Enhance your skills through training programs, workshops, conferences, and ongoing learning opportunities.

Licensure & Certification Support – Maximus covers the costs associated with renewing required licenses and certifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise a team of employees through cultivation of a high performance team.
• Ensure adequate staff coverage for assigned program area.
• Serve as subject matter expert for identified area of program knowledge.
• Ensure assigned team is meeting contract and individual SLA's, and related requirements.
• Work with contract management and shared services to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiencies.
• May attend client and stakeholder meetings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Use evidence-based and/or peer-reviewed literature to train and educate SOF personnel in individual and group settings on cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagement, and emotional control skills and strategies.
• Support understanding, acquisition, retention, performance improvement, and performance maintenance through documented training and interventions provided to SOF personnel.
• Assist and advise the POTFF Program Manager/Coordinator or Government Lead on matters related to mental performance and sport psychology.
• Provide information, education, and training on cognitive performance factors related to exercise, sport psychology, sports, and physical activity.
• Deliver education and training on executive function, sleep, self-regulation, attention, memory, skill acquisition, goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the labor category by supporting the cognitive, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of Service Members.
• Document services in human performance enterprise-wide platforms, including HPDMS or other systems as directed by USSOCOM Directive 10-12.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by local leadership, as documented and approved through local POTFF leadership.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, technical training, or relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of two years of related experience.
• Current LCSW or LMSW with license valid in the state of practice is required.
• Master’s degree required in human performance, kinesiology, exercise science, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, sport sciences, performance psychology, psychology, or a mental health discipline with a specialization in performance psychology.
• Certification of training for heart rate variability (HRV) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), a relevant BCIA certification, or at least one (1) year of demonstrable experience delivering HRV training in a high-performance setting required.
• Must be willing to obtain the BCIA HRV certificate of completion within one (1) year of hire, if not already obtained.
• May be required to obtain and maintain certifications relevant to cognitive enhancement, as required by the hiring unit, such as BCIA biofeedback certification.
• Minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate demonstrable accumulated experience as a cognitive performance practitioner or sport psychologist.
• Experience may include working with military members; athletes or groups of athletes at the NCAA collegiate, Olympic, or professional levels; tactical populations; or individuals and groups requiring high levels of mental and physical performance.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with Special Operations personnel.

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EEO Statement

Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate's education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximus's total compensation package. Other rewards may include short- and long-term incentives as well as program-specific awards. Additionally, Maximus provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off. Compensation ranges may differ based on contract value but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. An applicant's salary history will not be used in determining compensation. Maximus will comply with regulatory minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds in all instances.

Accommodations

Maximus provides reasonable accommodations to individuals requiring assistance during any phase of the employment process due to a disability, medical condition, or physical or mental impairment. If you require assistance at any stage of the employment process—including accessing job postings, completing assessments, or participating in interviews,—please contact People Operations at [e-mail] .

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