Director of Therapy Operations

About the Role

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. This position ensures the therapy department follows regulatory compliance requirements and standard procedures while integrating company values into daily practice.

Responsibilities

• 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; participates in coaching, discipline, and performance evaluations.
• Provides education, direction, and mentorship to the therapy team regarding 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 the therapy department and monitors department expenses on a 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 the performance improvement process, including data collection, analysis, and process improvement activities.
• Collaborates with physicians, consultants, community agencies, and institutions to improve the quality of services and resolve identified problems.
• Collaborates with the interdepartmental team to integrate therapy services with the total patient’s healthcare plan.
• Participates in all admission decisions and monitors patient outcomes.
• Assists with direct patient care therapy responsibilities during high-volume 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 risks 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.

Requirements

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

Skills

• 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 (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.