Clinical Team Lead, Pediatric Acute Care Physical Therapy

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. VUMC is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge expanded, and abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health fosters an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, uniqueness is celebrated, and employees take pride in being part of something bigger than themselves. The mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

About the Role

Leads a team of assigned staff members and actively participates in overall management of the department, development of clinical practice standards, and provision of patient-focused delivery of care and services. Accountable for implementation and outcomes in people leadership, quality, service, compliance, finance, throughput, and scheduling. Ensures the department's optimal performance during each assigned shift by engaging in effective problem-solving with lab staff and other departments, assuring performance standards for patient care are met, and developing/leading the assigned team. Provides feedback and coaching to staff members, recognizing contributions while fostering a high-performance culture.

This leadership opportunity within the Pediatric Acute Care Rehabilitation team at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt offers a supportive onboarding experience with mentorship and guidance. The role balances direct patient care responsibilities with leadership activities, providing an opportunity to expand impact while remaining clinically engaged. This position supports a team of Pediatric Physical Therapists and PRN staff within one of the nation's leading pediatric healthcare organizations.

Why This Leadership Opportunity Stands Out

• Blend clinical excellence with people leadership in a highly respected pediatric healthcare setting
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of Pediatric Physical Therapists
• Play an active role in hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, employee development, and staff engagement
• Collaborate closely with experienced rehabilitation and hospital leadership teams
• Enjoy a supportive culture where autonomy grows with the role and leaders remain highly accessible
• Primarily Monday through Friday schedule with occasional weekend coverage based on departmental needs
• Opportunity to influence clinical practice standards, team culture, and patient outcomes across pediatric acute care services
• Remain clinically engaged while helping shape the future of pediatric rehabilitation services

About Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Ranked among the nation's leading children's hospitals, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt provides comprehensive, family-centered pediatric care across a wide range of acute inpatient units. Patients are treated across medical, surgical, neurological, trauma, and specialty service lines in a highly collaborative academic environment focused on excellence, innovation, and compassionate care.

About The Pediatric Acute Care Rehabilitation Team

The Pediatric Acute Care Rehabilitation Team provides inpatient physical and occupational therapy services throughout the hospital using a true multidisciplinary care model. Physical Therapists collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, child life specialists, social workers, case managers, patients, and families. They evaluate and treat children with complex medical conditions, post-surgical needs, neurological diagnoses, traumatic injuries, and chronic illnesses. Through individualized, goal-driven plans of care, therapists support mobility, endurance, caregiver education, and safe discharge planning throughout hospitalization.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct pediatric acute care physical therapy services
• Lead and mentor a team of Pediatric Physical Therapists and PRN staff
• Support recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and professional development
• Partner with department leadership on employee relations matters and performance management initiatives
• Collaborate with department leadership to achieve operational, quality, and patient experience goals
• Support clinical practice standards, quality initiatives, and evidence-based care delivery
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional excellence
• Assist with daily scheduling, staffing coordination, and coverage needs
• Ensure efficient operations while maintaining exceptional patient care and team engagement
• Supervise day-to-day performance of staff through ongoing assessment and coaching to achieve goals
• Complete formal evaluation of direct reports
• Support leadership team in development of staff members by providing substantive feedback
• Demonstrate clinical/technical knowledge needed to coach staff on day-to-day activities
• Implement rehab-specific policies and practice guidelines in accordance with VUMC policy and regulatory standards

Requirements

• Licensed Physical Therapist (or eligible for Tennessee licensure)
• Pediatric Acute Care Physical Therapy experience
• Demonstrated success in a formal or informal leadership role
• Strong communication, coaching, and team development skills
• Passion for family-centered pediatric care and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Ideal Candidate

You're an experienced pediatric therapist who enjoys mentoring others, solving complex clinical and operational challenges, and helping teams thrive. You value collaboration, accountability, and creating a positive team culture while continuing to make a meaningful impact on patient care and outcomes. You are a strong communicator, an effective coach, and a collaborative leader who can balance day-to-day operational needs with long-term team development and clinical excellence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits beginning on your first day of employment
• Practice within a nationally recognized healthcare system
• Be part of a collaborative, mission-driven pediatric rehabilitation team
• Work in an environment focused on excellence, innovation, and compassionate care
• Access professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Enjoy the support of experienced leaders who are invested in your growth and success

Schedule

Primarily Monday-Friday with occasional weekend coverage as needed.