Operational Psychologist

Title: Operational Psychologist

Location:

ARLINGTON, Virginia

SNEADS FERRY, North Carolina

Norfolk, Virginia

SAN DIEGO, California

Job Description:

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. 

Job Summary

The Health Research and Analytics (HRA) business line is seeking a highly motivated, full-time Operational Psychologist to join our team in support of our government customer, U.S. Special Operations Command. This position will play a critical role in advancing the Preservation of the Forces and Family (POTFF) program, which is dedicated to optimizing and sustaining the mission readiness, longevity, and performance of Special Operations Forces (SOF). Through integrated and holistic human performance initiatives, POTFF strengthens both the Forces and their families, ensuring comprehensive support for those who serve. As an Operational Psychologist, you will contribute to impactful research and analytics that drive evidence-based decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of these vital programs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of SOF personnel and their families while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

 

The Operational Psychologist provides expert clinical and operational psychological services to SOF, including developing and managing unit-level behavioral health initiatives, conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, offering crisis responses, executive coaching, and professional development for SOF personnel and leadership. This role will provide direct support in the assessment, selection, baseline and post-event neuropsychological screening, and human performance enhancement of personnel to support mission readiness in high-stakes environments. Additionally, the Operational Psychologist ensures compliance with professional standards, maintains credentialing, manages referrals and records, and collaborates with command and community agencies to optimize psychological health and performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise, guidance, and direct services in the areas of clinical and operational psychology to SOF
• Develop, plan and initiate unit level resiliency programs for preventing and treating behavioral health issues to support all aspects of service member readiness and resilience 
• Provide technical expertise, consultation, and direct support in the areas of assessment and selection of personnel, operational support, individual/team/organizational assessment and performance enhancement, executive coaching and leadership development, research, conduct advanced training designed to maximize performance and resilience of SOF personnel to accomplish mission objectives in potentially time-constrained, high-stakes, ambiguous and hostile operating environments, and the provision of psychological services to unit members
• Conduct, administer, and interpret a full spectrum of psychological assessment measures and consult with command personnel
• Manage relevant process improvement, program validation, and related research
• Develop and manage appropriate personnel selection records and filing systems
• Assume responsibility for management of referrals and disposition of referrals for behavioral health care
• Provide professional development and awareness education to leadership and SOF personnel as requested
• Provide crisis response and follow-up care in the event of unit casualties or other serious incidents
• Function as liaison between unit personnel and base/community helping professionals/agencies
• Function as primary supporter of the assessment and selection of incoming personnel and provide feedback to unit leadership on suitability of personnel to serve within certain military organizations or positions
• Ensure all work meets professional standards and guidelines defined by the organization's commander and/or Senior Operational Psychologist
• Provide technical expertise, consultation, and direct support in the areas of assessment and selection of personnel, operational support, human performance enhancement, and the provision of clinical services to unit members
• Conduct baseline and post-event neuropsychological screening and will collect/analyze data and monitor trends in psychological health as directed 
• Maintain credentialing requirements in good standing at a local MTF

Key Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from an American Psychology Association accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology
• Successful completion of an Internship/Residency in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association 
• At least two years’ post-doctoral experience within the past five years in the independent practice of psychology in operational psychology, preferably in a government setting such as a Department of Defense (DOD) or Intelligence Community (IC)
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a psychologist in one of any U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands
• Meet clinical competency requirements specified in the Service-specific credentialing instructions
• Possess a working knowledge of professional standards and ethics regarding the delivery of clinical psychology programs. 
• Demonstrate sufficient computer literacy to operate a personal computer utilizing psychological test, word processing, database/spread sheet programs, and possess basic typing skills sufficient to efficiently produce the psychologist’s own reports and correspondence
• Ability to conduct, administer, and interpret the full spectrum of psychological assessment tools and to consult with command personnel. 
• Ability to manage relevant process improvements, program validations, and related research
• Possess a mastery of psychological assessment, behavioral health, behavioral research, and familiarity with organizational effectiveness literature, operational psychology, performance enhancement and training, industrial/organizational psychology, and social and operational psychology
• Possess experience and training in the assessment and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse conditions, domestic violence, child abuse, post-traumatic stress, mood and anxiety conditions, and family/marital issues  
• May be required to receive and maintain clinical practice privileges
• Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) from the American Heart Association, with documentation provided
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and written
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior education and training in personnel assessment and selection with two years of experience
• Prior military and/or SOF experience is preferred
• One year of experience in performance enhancement or executive coaching as well as organizational assessment and consultation and/or completion of the USASOC Operational Psychology in Personnel Selection course or similar organizational psychology classes
• Training in critical incident/stress trauma interventions 
• Capability of meeting the physical demands of selection and training events including the ability to hike over rough terrain, work long irregular hours with disruption in sleep cycles, and function in austere environments
• Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) orientation and/or certification through the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA), or the willingness to obtain it

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that. 
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
 
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects 
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer.  We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.