Director of Therapy Operations

The Director of Therapy Operations provides overall operations of the therapy department, including high quality, cost effective delivery of patient care, managing therapy personnel, and developing and implementing approved department projects and goals. The position also ensures the therapy department follows regulatory compliance requirements and standard procedures. The position must integrate company values into daily practice.

Essential Functions:

• Develops, maintains, and implements therapy policies and procedures that conform to current standards of therapy practice and operational policies while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Directs the functions of the therapy department in accordance with departmental policies, procedures and standards. 
• Oversees therapy department staffing, retention, and development and participates in coaching, discipline, and performance evaluations. Provides education, direction and mentorship of the therapy team’s function, purpose, and goals.
• Communicates and interprets policies and procedures to nursing staff, and monitors staff practices and implementation.
• Prepares annual capital and operating budget for therapy department. Monitors department expenses on designated schedule. Works with management staff of all third party payers on problems, solutions and new programs.
• Collaborates with senior leadership and is actively involved in performance improvement process, including data collection and analysis, and process improvement activities.
• Collaborates with physicians, consultants, community agencies, and institutions to improve the quality of services and to resolve identified problems.
• Collaborates with interdepartmental team to integrate therapy services with the total patient’s health care plan. Participates in all admission decisions, and monitors patient outcomes.
• Assists with direct patient care therapy responsibilities during high flow work times.
• May be required to work during inclement weather and other staffing emergencies.
• Provides an environment conducive to safety for patients, visitors, and staff. Assesses the risks for safety and implements appropriate precautions. Complies with appropriate and approved safety and Infection Prevention standards.
• Completes required trainings, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support overall effectiveness of the organization.

Minimum Job Requirements 

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Three years’ experience in a hospital therapy management position required.
• Masters’ degree or working towards completion preferred.

Required Licenses, Certifications, and/or Documentation:

• Current license as Physical Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, or Occupational Therapist required.
• Current BLS certification required.
• Must maintain acceptable driving record, current driver’s license, and insurability.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and adherence to current therapy theory and practice and infection prevention standards.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards to ensure adherence to all standards set forth by state and accrediting agencies of TJC and CMS.
• Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates an understanding of treatment costs and financial support as they relate to quality and efficiency.
• Demonstrates general computer skills including data entry, word processing, email, and records management.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and complete complex tasks.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection prevention standards.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain proper levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to work closely and professionally with others at all levels of the organization.

Physical Requirements Over the Course of a Shift:

• A significant amount of standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling, often for prolonged periods of time.
• Both gross and precise motor functions.
• Lifting/exerting of up to 25 lbs.
• Possible exposure to bodily fluids.
• Visual acuity required for patient assessment and documentation of care.
• Acute hearing required for accurate patient assessment.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and computer keyboard.
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

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