Military Performance Psychologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of military operations, the focus on Military Performance Psychologists has never been more significant.

As military strategies evolve, so does the need for skilled professionals who can enhance, support, and protect the mental well-being of our defense forces.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Military Performance Psychologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of military performance psychology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Military Performance Psychologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Military Performance Psychologist Duties and Responsibilities

Military Performance Psychologists work on improving the mental health, performance, resilience, and overall well-being of military personnel.

They use their knowledge of psychology to help individuals deal with stressors related to the military environment, and to cope with transitions such as deployment or return to civilian life.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess psychological needs of military personnel and devise suitable treatment plans
• Provide counseling services to individuals or groups to improve performance, resilience, and stress management
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs related to mental health, performance enhancement, and resilience
• Conduct research to understand and address issues related to military performance, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and operational stress
• Provide recommendations for changes in training and military practices to better support psychological health
• Consult with military leadership to advise on matters related to mental health and performance
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for military personnel
• Participate in crisis response teams to provide immediate psychological support in the event of a crisis
• Conduct workshops and trainings on stress management, resilience, and performance enhancement techniques
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in the practice of psychology in a military setting

 

Military Performance Psychologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Military Performance Psychologist to help our military personnel optimize their performance and resilience.

The successful candidate will be tasked with identifying and mitigating psychological challenges, enhancing mental skills, stress management techniques and promoting overall mental health.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with the unique stressors faced by military personnel, has a deep understanding of psychology, and is skilled in developing and implementing effective strategies to enhance psychological resilience and performance.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and provide feedback to command and individual service members
• Develop and deliver psychological skills training programs
• Provide consultation on operational issues related to performance and mental health
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures for psychological health and performance programs
• Participate in program evaluation and research activities
• Provide crisis intervention and referral for psychiatric evaluation and follow-up
• Maintain accurate and current notes in patient medical records
• Comply with all laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines governing professional practice in the field of psychology

 

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Psychology (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program
• Current, unrestricted license to practice Psychology in any U.S. state
• Experience working with military population is highly preferred
• Excellent understanding of the psychological effects of combat and operational stress
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Current Secret security clearance or ability to obtain clearance

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Military Performance Psychologist
• Work Environment: Military installation. This role requires deployment with military units and potential exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Behavioral Health or Psychological Health Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications or licenses to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Military Performance Psychologist Do?

Military Performance Psychologists work within the military and defense sector.

They play a critical role in enhancing the mental strength, resilience, and performance of military personnel.

These psychologists conduct psychological assessments and screenings to evaluate the mental health, psychological fitness, and readiness of military personnel.

They use these assessments to identify any signs of psychological issues such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

In addition to assessments, they also provide therapeutic support and counseling services to military personnel dealing with various stressors.

These can include combat stress, deployment-related stress, and other job-related difficulties.

Military Performance Psychologists also develop and implement mental strength and performance enhancement programs.

These programs aim to improve cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, decision-making skills, stress management, and leadership abilities.

They frequently collaborate with other professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care for military personnel.

Moreover, they also conduct research to understand the effects of military service on psychological health and to develop better strategies for mental health support within the military.

It’s also part of their role to provide training and consultation services to military leaders, helping them understand and manage mental health issues within their ranks.

 

Military Performance Psychologist Qualifications and Skills

A Military Performance Psychologist should possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications that align with the specific requirements of the military environment, such as:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of psychological principles, theories, methods, and the ability to apply this knowledge to a military environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to counsel and guide military personnel and their families through mental health issues, stress management, and performance improvement.
• Experience in conducting research and implementing evidence-based psychological interventions specifically designed for military personnel.
• Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of psychological disorders that military personnel may face, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
• Strong problem-solving skills to help military personnel address and overcome issues that may affect their performance and mental health.
• Resilience and ability to work in high-pressure situations, often under challenging conditions.
• Confidentiality and ethical conduct, as they will be dealing with sensitive personal information.
• Understanding of military culture, rules, and regulations to effectively work with and assist military personnel.

 

Military Performance Psychologist Experience Requirements

To become a Military Performance Psychologist, candidates need to meet a series of educational and experience requirements.

At the foundational level, they need to have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a Master’s degree or Doctorate (PhD) in psychology or a related field.

It is recommended that the specialization is in performance psychology, sport psychology, or a similar discipline.

During their studies, candidates are encouraged to gain practical experience through internships or part-time roles in relevant settings such as athletic departments, mental health clinics, or military facilities.

This hands-on experience is invaluable in helping them understand the complexities of the human psyche under stress or in high-performance situations.

Post-graduation, they should aim to accumulate several years of experience (typically 2 to 5 years) working in a related field.

This could be as a psychologist, mental health counselor, or performance coach, preferably in a military or high-stress environment.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have extensive clinical experience and a deep understanding of mental resilience, performance enhancement, and stress management.

They may also have experience in leadership roles, making them suitable for senior Military Performance Psychologist positions.

Additionally, all Military Performance Psychologists must be licensed to practice in their state.

This usually involves passing a licensing exam after meeting the necessary educational and experience requirements.

It’s also important to note that due to the nature of the role, candidates must be mentally and physically fit and may have to pass certain military fitness tests and security clearances.

This role often requires dealing with high-stress situations and making quick, crucial decisions, so robust mental and physical health is paramount.

 

Military Performance Psychologist Education and Training Requirements

Military Performance Psychologists usually hold at least a master’s degree in psychology, clinical psychology or counseling psychology, although a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) is often preferred.

These programs provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to deal with various psychological issues.

They learn to conduct assessments, provide counseling and implement intervention strategies.

All states require practicing psychologists, including those serving in the military, to be licensed.

The licensing process generally involves the completion of an accredited graduate program, a certain amount of supervised clinical experience, and passing a comprehensive examination.

In addition to their psychology training, Military Performance Psychologists are required to complete Officer Training School (OTS) or Officer Candidate School (OCS).

This training provides a broad understanding of the military structure and functioning, along with the leadership skills necessary for the role.

Many Military Performance Psychologists also pursue additional training in areas such as sports psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or post-traumatic stress disorder treatment.

These specialized skills can be particularly useful given the unique challenges faced by military personnel.

Lastly, it’s important for a Military Performance Psychologist to be a U.S. citizen and pass the necessary physical and background checks required by the military.

 

Military Performance Psychologist Salary Expectations

A Military Performance Psychologist can expect to earn an average salary of $90,000 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can greatly vary based on years of experience, specific skills, additional training, and geographic location.

 

Military Performance Psychologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Military Performance Psychologist need?

A Military Performance Psychologist should have strong communication skills, the ability to make sound judgements, high levels of empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

They should also possess excellent listening skills, strong observational skills, a thorough understanding of military culture and the unique stresses associated with military service, and the ability to interpret and analyze psychological data.

 

Do Military Performance Psychologists need a degree?

Yes, a Military Performance Psychologist must have a doctorate degree in psychology, specifically in sports psychology or performance psychology.

Additionally, they must be licensed to practice psychology in their respective state.

Some military branches may require additional training or certifications.

 

What should you look for in a Military Performance Psychologist resume?

A Military Performance Psychologist’s resume should reflect their educational credentials, including their doctorate in psychology and any specialty certifications.

It should show evidence of their experience working in a military or high-stress environment, as well as their ability to handle a variety of psychological issues.

Look for experience in conducting research, publishing findings, and designing training programs to improve performance.

 

What qualities make a good Military Performance Psychologist?

A good Military Performance Psychologist should be empathetic, resilient, adaptable, and dedicated to helping others.

They should be culturally competent and sensitive to the unique needs and experiences of military personnel.

They need to maintain confidentiality and build trust with clients, and should be committed to continued learning and staying updated on the latest research and methods in their field.

 

What is the role of a Military Performance Psychologist in the deployment process?

Military Performance Psychologists play a crucial role in the deployment process.

They provide pre-deployment training to help service members mentally prepare for the stresses of deployment.

They also offer psychological assistance during deployment to manage stress, maintain morale, and enhance performance.

Post-deployment, they help with the transition back to civilian life, addressing any psychological issues that may have arisen during deployment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the truth about what it means to be a military performance psychologist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about psychological assessments.

It’s about enhancing the mental resilience and performance of our brave service members, one session at a time.

With our useful military performance psychologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re equipped to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating detailed job listings or perfecting your resume to the finest detail.

Remember:

Every session contributes to a stronger, more resilient military force.

Let’s fortify their future. Together.

How to Become a Military Performance Psychologist (Complete Guide)

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