University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Psychiatry

Job Title: Spine Center Pain Psychologist (Open Rank)

Position #00850071 – Requisition #40437

Job Summary:

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.

Key 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

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO. There may be some opportunities for remote work on an occasional basis.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $757 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan opt