OPERATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST - SPECIAL WARFARE TRAINING WING

Operational Psychologist (PhD)

Location: Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, TX
Customer: U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Training Wing – Special Warfare Human Performance Squadron (SW HPS)

At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do. As an Operational Psychologist (PhD), you will leverage consultative, evidence‑based practices to enhance human performance for U.S. Air Force Special Warfare personnel. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team delivering psychological assessment, resiliency, and specialty mental health services that directly support mission readiness and impact.

In this role, you will coordinate clinical activities with the OL Flight Commander and align specialty care practices with the senior SW HPS Operational Psychologist’s quality assurance standards. You will apply substantive knowledge of Air Force Medical Service and Air Force Special Warfare programs, policies, management objectives, and procedures to provide assessment, consultation, and care across training and operational environments.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

• Conduct, administer, and interpret the full spectrum of psychological assessment tools applicable to special operations and high‑risk, high‑demand career fields.
• Provide consultative support to Special Warfare leadership, including planning, organizing, and leading study work/projects and negotiating recommendations for implementation.
• Analyze complex processes that span multiple functional areas with overlapping concerns and conflicting interests to inform performance and readiness recommendations.
• Prepare detailed written reports (e.g., briefing charts, diagrams, graphics) to communicate findings, recommendations, and conclusions to military leadership and staff.
• Collaborate with military and civilian coaches, medical professionals, instructor cadre, and other staff to integrate mental resiliency and performance techniques into all facets of the training program.
• Support the “psych pillar” during Reset Weeks and provide Limited Scope Counseling to Active Duty personnel (permanent party and students) within the unit setting.
• Deliver Specialty Mental Health Care within the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Mental Health Clinic in alignment with Air Force and DoD standards and policies.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

Education

• Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from a regionally accredited university.

Training

• Successful completion of an APA‑accredited internship/residency in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.

Licensure

• Active, unrestricted state license for independent practice in Clinical or Counseling Psychology in the primary location (State of Texas or North Carolina, as applicable).
• Adherence to the ethical guidelines and practice standards of the applicable licensing state.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of full‑time experience working directly with:Military Special Operations units, orMilitary or civilian intelligence agencies, orEquivalent law enforcement organizations.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of graduate‑level coursework or certification in Sport/Performance Psychology or Human Factors through a regionally accredited university or recognized national professional organization; or equivalent professional experience.

Certifications / Privileging

• Meets service requirements for independent practice and maintains current, unrestricted credentials with the servicing DoD medical authority.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (current).

Skills

• Demonstrated capability applying diverse psychological interventions to manage emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of readiness and functioning in high‑risk, high‑demand military career fields.
• Proficiency in computer utilization and statistical techniques for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to earn and maintain professional respect and trust of Special Warfare Training Wing members and staff, using strong consultancy‑style engagement to build trusted partnerships, uncover needs, anticipate challenges, and position solutions that drive mission impact.

Working Hours:

• Flexible schedule; may need to deviate from a typical work week based on training and mission requirements.
• Work may require travel away from the normal duty station to support training activities and operational events.

Work Environment:

• Work may involve physical exertion, including: Walking over rough, uneven, or rocky terrain. Outdoor activities in extreme temperatures and variable weather conditions. Prolonged standing indoors or outdoors, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Duties may include visits or extended time at training locations or operational sites to observe events, conduct planning, and ensure mission accomplishment.
• Some agility and strength may be required to execute medical coverage and psychological support in operational environments.

GDIT Is Your Place:

• Growth: AI‑powered career tools that identify career steps and learning opportunities.
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals.
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages.401(k) with company match. Competitive pay and paid time off.
• Community: Award‑winning culture of innovation. Military‑friendly workplace that values service and mission impact.

Own Your Opportunity:

Explore a career in health and human performance at GDIT and you’ll find opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your sense of purpose. In this Operational Psychologist role, you will apply advanced psychological expertise and consultative approaches to support the readiness, resilience, and performance of Special Warfare Airmen—making a direct difference in the mission and in the lives of those who serve.

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