Director of Physical Therapy

PURPOSE:

The Director of Therapy is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of Therapy services. This role ensures high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, staff competency, and effective coordination of therapy services across all care settings. The Director serves as a clinical and administrative leader, promoting evidence-based practice and alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

DIMENSIONS:

The Director of Therapy reports to executive leadership and works collaboratively with physicians, nursing leadership, department directors, and other members of the interdisciplinary team. The position oversees physical therapy services delivered in inpatient, outpatient, long-term care, and community-based settings as applicable.

ENVIRONMENT:

Lincoln Health is a 15-bed Critical Access Hospital co-located with 22-bed Long Term Care Unit. The facility employs 150-200 employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Direct and oversee all Therapy department operations, including clinical care delivery, staffing, scheduling, and service coordination

· Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization in all departmental activities

· Ensure delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered physical therapy services

· Maintain performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities within the department

· Assure competency, licensure, and ongoing professional development of all therapy staff

· Participate in patient care as needed, including evaluation, treatment, and plan-of-care development

· Serve as a liaison between administration, physicians, staff, patients, and families

· Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and professional practice guidelines

· Assist in development and management of the departmental budget; monitor productivity, expenses, and performance against budgetary goals

· Develop and maintain systems to ensure accurate, timely documentation, coding, and charging for services

· Prepare and analyze departmental reports related to utilization, outcomes, productivity, and quality metrics

· Recruit, interview, hire, evaluate, discipline, and terminate department staff as necessary

· Plan, organize, and participate in staff orientation, training, and in-service education

· Maintain a safe, clean, and effective working environment

· Protect patient confidentiality and maintain compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies

· Demonstrate flexibility, organization, and effective decision-making in a dynamic healthcare environment

· Perform other duties as assigned by leadership

EXPOSURE RISK:

This position may involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens, communicable diseases, chemicals, and physical activity associated with patient care.

SUPERVISORY RESPONISIBILITIES:

The Director of Therapy directly supervises all therapy staff, including licensed and non-licensed personnel. Responsibilities include performance evaluations, competency validation, scheduling, and oversight of continuing education and professional development.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

· Graduate of an accredited therapy program

· Current, unrestricted Physical/Occupational Therapist license in the applicable state

· Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in rehabilitative or therapy services preferably including inpatient, outpatient, long-term care, and home health services

· Prefer a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting preferred

· Demonstrated knowledge of therapy modalities, anatomy, physiology, and disease processes

· Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

· Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English

· Strong verbal and written communication skills

· Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, physicians, staff, and leadership

· Additional language skills preferred but not required

REASONING ABILITY:

· Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

· Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and clinical guidelines

· Ability to exercise sound judgment in complex clinical, operational, and personnel situations

· Ability to manage competing priorities and make decisions in a fast-paced healthcare environment

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team

· Proficiency with electronic medical records and basic computer applications

· Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical, financial, and personnel information

· Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· Ability to tolerate prolonged standing, walking, sitting, and repetitive movements

· Ability to lift, transfer, and position patients and equipment using proper body mechanics

· Ability to pass the job specific POET

· Manual dexterity, coordination, and visual acuity sufficient to perform patient care activities

· Ability to distinguish colors, hear alarms, and communicate effectively in person and by phone