Pediatric Physical Therapist Team Lead

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. It is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, and uniqueness is celebrated.

About the Role

The Pediatric Physical Therapist Team Lead will guide a highly skilled outpatient rehabilitation team, shaping the future of pediatric therapy services. This role balances patient care, mentorship, and operational leadership while fostering a culture of clinical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. The Team Lead will influence team culture, staff engagement, and drive innovation in pediatric rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct pediatric outpatient physical therapy services.
• Lead, mentor, and support staff and PRN Physical Therapists.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, engagement, and clinical excellence.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, staff development, and retention efforts.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide meaningful coaching and feedback.
• Partner with leadership to address staffing, workflow, and operational needs.
• Support evidence-based practice, quality initiatives, and program development.
• Promote transparent communication and strong team engagement.
• Drive exceptional patient experiences, clinical outcomes, and operational performance.
• Supervise day-to-day performance of staff through ongoing assessment and coaching.
• Implement rehab-specific policies and practice guidelines in accordance with VUMC policy and regulatory standards.
• Demonstrate clinical/technical knowledge to coach staff on day-to-day activities.
• Manage operations planning, including resource allocation, task prioritization, and project reshaping as needed.
• Ensure compliance with statutory instructions and escalate issues appropriately.
• Exhibit leadership in challenging situations, adapting styles as needed, and communicating goals effectively.

Requirements

• Licensed Physical Therapist (or eligible for Tennessee licensure).
• Significant Pediatric Outpatient Physical Therapy experience.
• Demonstrated success in a formal or informal leadership role.
• Strong mentorship, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Ability to influence, inspire, and support experienced clinicians.
• Commitment to family-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Strong organizational, clinical, and operational decision-making skills.

About the Team

The Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation team at Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks provides comprehensive, family-centered care for children with developmental, neurological, orthopedic, genetic, and complex medical conditions. Physical Therapists collaborate closely with physicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, educators, and families to help children maximize function, independence, and participation in everyday life. The team is known for its clinical expertise and collaborative culture.

Benefits

• Benefits available from day one.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Leadership development and continuing education opportunities.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Nationally recognized pediatric and rehabilitation programs.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Support from an organization committed to innovation, excellence, and patient-centered care.

Schedule

Primarily Monday-Friday.