Internship Cognitive Performance Specialist Jobs

TITLE: Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS)

LOCATION: Portland, OR

CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Secret

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time Salary

TRAVEL: 10%

This position is contingent upon contract award.

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):

• Design and deliver individualized and unit-level programs targeting operator readiness, psychological resilience, and mission capability using cognitive and behavioral strategies.
• Provide private consultation with squadron members on goal setting and performance planning, and meet regularly with unit leadership to advise on performance, resilience, and organizational effectiveness.
• Administer and interpret psychological assessments including baseline and post-event screening; maintain a documented crisis response plan and coordinate referrals for members in crisis.
• Serve as liaison with HPP staff, medical personnel, and the AFSPECWAR HPP enterprise; consult with medical, legal, and military command personnel as appropriate.
• Maintain physical proficiency to operate alongside SOF in austere environments, including hiking rough terrain and lifting 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 membership in a relevant professional organization (e.g., AASP, APA Division 47/19).
• Must possess current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• Master's degree (doctorate preferred) in Performance Psychology, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related mental health discipline.
• 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.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary human performance or healthcare team.
• Training in clinical/counseling psychology, including suicide intervention, PTSD, and substance abuse.

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.