Psychiatry Medical Director

Job Summary:

The Department of Psychiatry has an opening for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Addiction Psychiatry Faculty Member who will serve as the Medical Director for the Center for Dependency, Addiction, and Rehabilitation (CeDAR). 

The CeDAR Addiction Psychiatry Medical Director will provide administrative oversight for a team of addiction psychiatry physicians, addiction psychiatry advanced practice providers, and psychologists as well as provide direct patient care at CeDAR. The position is responsible for collaborating with University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) leadership and staff and the Department of Family Medicine’s Addiction Medicine Medical Director, supervising the aforementioned addiction providers, creating and maintaining the CeDAR faculty and addiction psychiatry call schedule, developing and overseeing the implementation and compliance with clinical protocols and pathways, arranging trainings, overseeing psychiatry residents, students and fellows rotating through the service, building relationships with other departments, and other administrative duties as designated. The CeDAR Addiction Psychiatry Medical Director oversees and ensures the quality of the care provided in the residential and outpatient services. The direct patient care position involves in-person work providing addiction treatment at CeDAR in either the residential and/or outpatient settings in addition to traditional academic duties such as teaching, research, and department-related activities. The amount of effort in each academic area would depend, in part, upon the qualifications and academic needs of the candidate. 

Supervision Received:

• This faculty position will report to the Department of Psychiatry’s Adult Psychiatry Division Director.
• In their capacity as CeDAR Psychiatry Medical Director, the faculty member reports to the Psychiatry UCHealth Clinical Director.

Supervision Exercised:

• This position will supervise CeDAR addiction psychiatrists, addiction psychiatry advanced practice providers, and psychologists, psychiatry residents/fellows, medical students, and psychology trainees working in the inpatient residential and in the outpatient programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• As a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry, the individual is expected to provide clinical care at CeDAR, mentor trainees and junior faculty, conduct their own research (not mandatory depending upon promotion track), and participate in the life of the Department through attending Grand Rounds, serving on committees, and being involved in other Department activities.
• The Psychiatry Medical Director of CeDAR works closely with UCH Leadership and Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine leadership to ensure the adequacy of psychiatric and medical staffing to provide administrative leadership and clinical care across CeDAR’s continuum of care.
• The Psychiatry Medical Director assures that all CeDAR patients receive an appropriate psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, medical screening, and medical/psychiatric evaluation whenever indicated, and that all medical/psychiatric care is appropriate. Recruit and supervise psychiatrists and APPs. Ensure adequate supervision of medical students, residents, and addiction psychiatry fellows.
• Providing oversight to ensure appropriate utilization of services throughout the CeDAR levels of care by developing an appropriate continuum of programs, identifying level of care criteria, standards of practice for internal review of level of care determinations and appeal of adverse UR decisions.
• Assuring psychiatric involvement in the development, approval, and review of all Policies, Procedures, and Protocols that govern clinical care of the patients at CeDAR.
• Act as a system change agent able to identify treatment and service gaps from both the behavioral and the physical health system’s perspective and to create a common vision as to potential solutions. Work collaboratively to ensure that all treatment modalities are consistent with the most recent scientific evidence of effectiveness.
• Participate in UCHealth QA/QI and process improvement programs and collaborate with administrative leadership to ensure appropriate medical records are maintained as required by regulations, internal policies, and procedures, etc.
• Follow and comply with all local, state and federal regulations, laws and standards in relation to substance use disorders treatment.
• Establish clear productivity metrics and role expectations for each member of the CeDAR team.  Ensure the productivity and quality of the team’s clinical service, education, and scholarly products.
• Participate in the development and review of the CeDAR’s programs and positions that impact clinical services. Work with the Department of Psychiatry, UCHealth clinical director, and CeDAR Addiction Medicine Medical Director in order to achieve clinical, educational, and research excellence at CeDAR.
• Serve as a representative for CeDAR, UCH, and the University of Colorado Department of Psychiatry at national scientific and trade meetings. Seek opportunities to speak locally, regionally, and nationally about addiction science prevention and treatment as well as CeDAR’s clinical programming.
• Assure that all CeDAR staff receive appropriate clinical supervision, staff development, in-service training, the appropriate credentialing, privileging, and performance reviews.
• Participate with the CeDAR administrative leadership in making liaisons with private and public payors, in particular with medical directors or equivalent clinical leadership in payor organizations.
• Represent the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine and UCHA/UCHealth with the utmost integrity and professionalism.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

 

Why Join Us:

The CU Anschutz Department of Psychiatry is comprised of 437 paid faculty and a total of 800 employees. Under direction of the Department’s Chair, Dr. C. Neill Epperson, MD, the faculty has grown by 57% over the previous 4 years. The Department includes 5 divisions 1) Adult Psychiatry, 2) Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3) Addiction Science Prevention and Treatment, 4) Community, Population, and Public Mental Health, and 5) Integrated Neuroscience. The Department also includes 3 Offices; 1) Psychological Science and Practice, 2) Community Engagement Services, 3) Colorado Mental Health Access Programs, and 2 University-designated centers, 1) Brain and Behavior Innovation Center, and 2) Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center. The Department has and continues to be in a growth phase with a total budget of $135M, up by 108% from 2019. The Department is actively supporting its research portfolio growth and now ranks 28th out of 85 departments ranked by the Blue Ridge Medical Research Institute (NIH funding only).

The Department of Psychiatry’s vision and mission is summed up by its tagline BRAIN HEALTH FOR ALL FOR LIFE. As the only academic department of psychiatry for Colorado and much of the greater Rocky Mountain Region, the Department has provided clinical care to individuals living in more than 75% of Colorado’s zip codes. In 2023 alone the Department provided 600 community-based trainings and through its access programs the Department covers more than 650K lives.

CeDAR is part of UCHealth and was founded in 2005 with a generous philanthropic gift to support the healing of those with substance use disorders. At CeDAR – Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation, we believe recovery will look differently for everyone. Using a multidisciplinary assessment process, the client and their treatment team collaborates to identify individual care goals and create a treatment plan that best meets the client’s needs and goals. CeDAR includes services for acute detox, residential care, intensive outpatient groups, and individualized outpatient treatment with therapists and addiction medicine and psychiatric providers. CeDAR’s clinical model for substance abuse treatment includes a strong focus on psychiatric as well as psychosocial issues that commonly contribute to ongoing substance use. While CeDAR’s clinical model was originally founded on an abstinence only approach to substance use treatment, its clinicians embrace and practice a harm reduction model if that is in the best interest of the client. CeDAR has been ranked Colorado’s #1 Addiction Treatment Center by Newsweek four years in a row (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) based on the quality of care, quality of service, quality of follow-up care, and accommodations and amenities. 

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 $705 million in research grants.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more.

 

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

The purpose of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is to intentionally support the Department of Psychiatry’s community in advancing a culture of authenticity, belonging, inclusivity, and mutual respect. We are committed to leading transformational education, working toward cultural humility and taking impactful actions related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
 

 How to Apply:

 For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

• A letter of application which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
• A current CV/resume
• List of three to five professional references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at CU Careers. 

Screening of Applications Begins:

Review of applications will begin when position is posted and will continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by November 30, 2024. 

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

MD and/or DO 

Assistant Professor: $225,000 to $255,000

Associate Professor: $255,000 to $300,000

Professor: $300,000 to $335,000 

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

 

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.  

 

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. 

This is an open rank position and could be categorized Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. The ranks are based on how many years a candidate has been licensed and if they want to pursue the promotions track. 

Assistant Professor:

• Minimum degree qualifications: MD/DO, CO Physician License or Eligible for CO Physician License.
• 1-3 years of clinical experience at rank or equivalent experience and currently faculty member within the Department of Psychiatry.
• Board Certification or ability to be certified in Addiction Psychiatry by the time of hire. 

Associate Professor:

• Minimum degree qualifications: MD/DO, CO Physician License or Eligible for CO Physician License.
• 4-7 years of clinical experience at rank or equivalent experience and currently faculty member within the Department of Psychiatry.
• Board Certification or ability to be certified in Addiction Psychiatry by the time of hire. 

Professor:

• Minimum degree qualifications: MD/DO, CO Physician License or Eligible for CO Physician License.
• 7+ years of clinical experience at rank or equivalent experience and currently faculty member within the Department of Psychiatry.
• Board Certification or ability to be certified in Addiction Psychiatry by the time of hire. 

Preferred Qualifications: (Applicable to all ranks)

• Ability to interpret age specific developmental, physiologic, and unique care needs by assessment and by observation of care delivery.
• Experience in making psychiatric diagnoses and managing psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders
• Experience in addiction psychiatry, ideally in working with hospital employees and leaders in addition to faculty and trainees.
• Completion of an addiction psychiatry fellowship or practice pathway to Addiction Psychiatry Board eligibility
• Experience or interest in learning and participating with hospital partners regarding the economics of healthcare, particularly as it relates to CeDAR’s continuum of care. Strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and leading others with accountability. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

To be successful in this position, candidates will need the following

• Leadership and administrative experience (may be at the lab, clinic, program or division level) ideally with interdisciplinary teams
• Passion and excitement to develop and maintain a robust addiction program that provides evidence-based interventions
• A regional or national reputation as a subject matter expert in addiction science, prevention, and/or treatment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentations to community audiences
• Knowledge of and ability to apply professional medical principles, procedures, and techniques
• Knowledge or interest in learning about the economics of psychiatric and substance use disorder care as it relates to a residential treatment facility with a growing continuum of care
• Able to effectively manage and direct medical staff support activities while individually providing quality medical care
• Able to interact effectively with people of varied educational, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds as well as various skill levels and value systems in a professional and supportive manner
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
• Ability to work effectively on multiple tasks and maintain a well-organized work environment that flexible to advances in substance abuse treatment and training

      Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 1 - 3 years
Salary: $225,000 - $335,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No