Clinical Team Lead, Pediatric Acute Care Physical Therapy

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated.

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 with accountabilities for implementation and outcomes for people leadership, quality, service, compliance, finance, throughput and scheduling. Ensure the department's optimal performance during each assigned shift and within their team of direct reports by engaging in effective problem solving with lab staff and where appropriate, 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 them for their contributions while fostering a high performance culture.

This position offers a supportive onboarding experience, with experienced leaders available to provide training, mentorship, and guidance to help ensure a successful transition. We are seeking an experienced Pediatric Physical Therapist leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care while developing and inspiring others. As the Clinical Team Lead, Pediatric Physical Therapy, you will balance direct patient care responsibilities with leadership activities, providing an excellent opportunity to expand your impact while remaining actively engaged in clinical practice. This role supports a team of Pediatric Physical Therapists and PRN staff within one of the nation's leading pediatric healthcare organizations.

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 are essential members of the care team and collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, child life specialists, social workers, case managers, patients, and families. Physical Therapists 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. This collaborative environment offers broad clinical exposure and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families during some of their most challenging moments.

Responsibilities

• Providing direct pediatric acute care physical therapy services
• Leading and mentoring a team of Pediatric Physical Therapists and PRN staff
• Supporting recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts
• Conducting performance evaluations and providing ongoing coaching and professional development
• Partnering with department leadership on employee relations matters and performance management initiatives
• Collaborating with department leadership to achieve operational, quality, and patient experience goals
• Supporting clinical practice standards, quality initiatives, and evidence-based care delivery
• Promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional excellence
• Assisting with daily scheduling, staffing coordination, and coverage needs
• Helping ensure efficient operations while maintaining exceptional patient care and team engagement
• Supervises day-to-day performance of staff through ongoing assessment and coaching to achieve goals
• Completes formal evaluation of direct reports
• Supports leadership team in development of staff members by providing substantive feedback
• Demonstrates clinical/technical knowledge needed to coach staff on day-to-day activities
• Implements rehab-specific policies and practice guidelines in accordance with VUMC policy and regulatory standards using standardized tools and instruments

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 patient 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 through Friday with occasional weekend coverage as needed.

What Sets This Role Apart

• Opportunity to combine clinical expertise with meaningful leadership responsibilities
• Broad clinical exposure across medical, surgical, neurological, trauma, and specialty pediatric populations
• Opportunity to lead and develop a highly skilled team of Pediatric Physical Therapists
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration with PT, OT, SLP, Nursing, Physicians, Social Work, Case Management, Child Life Specialists, and Music Therapists
• Emphasis on evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and family-centered care
• Opportunity to influence team culture, staff development, operational excellence, and patient outcomes
• Leadership support from an experienced and collaborative management team
• Comprehensive onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing leadership development opportunities
• The ability to remain clinically connected while expanding your influence as a rehabilitation leader