Open Rank - Instructor, Sr. Instructor, Assistant, Associate, Professor
About The Position
The Department of Psychiatry is recruiting for a 1.0 FTE Psychologist. The Pain Psychologist provides specialized psychological assessment and intervention for patients undergoing evaluation for complex spine surgery at the University of Colorado Hospital Spine Center. This role is embedded within a multidisciplinary team and focuses on preoperative psychological evaluations to optimize surgical outcomes, assess psychosocial risk factors, and support patient readiness for surgery. The psychologist collaborates closely with spine surgeons, advanced practice providers, non-operative providers, and clinical staff to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care across the surgical continuum.
Requirements
- Must possess PsyD or Ph.D in Psychology
- Candidate must have current Colorado licensure
- 1-3 years of health psychology experience.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrates culturally accountable, evidence-based mental health practices and values
- Experience with pre-surgical evaluations
- Experience working in health care settings and hospitals
- Experience working with patients with complex medical and surgical concerns
- Possesses bilingual language skills with the ability to conduct psychotherapy in Spanish and English
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for patients being considered for complex spine surgery (multilevel spinal fusion, deformity corrections, etc.)
- Evaluate psychological, behavioral, and cognitive factors that may impact surgical outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, pain beliefs, coping strategies, cognitive impairments, and expectations)
- Assess patient readiness, expectations, and ability to adhere to postoperative care plans
- Provide formal recommendations to the surgical team regarding surgical candidacy and risk mitigation strategies
- Deliver brief, evidence-based interventions to improve surgical readiness (e.g., CBT for pain, coping skills, expectation setting) and post-operative adjustment.
- Address modifiable psychosocial risk factors prior to surgery
- Provide patient education on pain, recovery expectations, and behavioral strategies to optimize outcomes
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 10/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
