Position: Director of Rehabilitation

Department: Nursing

Reports To: Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt

General Purpose

The Director of Rehabilitation (Rehab Director) is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the rehabilitation department, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. The Rehab Director ensures high-quality, person-centered care is delivered to residents while overseeing clinical staff, managing caseloads, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, and achieving operational and financial goals.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Oversight
• Supervise and support therapists (PT, OT, ST), therapy assistants, and rehab aides.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate rehabilitation staff.
• Provide clinical guidance and mentorship to ensure best practices in therapy delivery.
• Foster a collaborative, motivated team environment focused on resident outcomes.

Clinical Program Management
• Oversee the development and implementation of individualized therapy care plans.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation that meets facility, payer, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor therapy outcomes and adjust care delivery strategies as needed.
• Promote restorative nursing and interdisciplinary collaboration with nursing and other departments.

Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Ensure adherence to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance billing guidelines.
• Comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company and facility policies.
• Prepare for and participate in surveys, audits, and inspections.
• Monitor productivity standards and conduct regular audits of therapy documentation.

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities
• Monitor therapy caseloads, productivity, and departmental budgets.
• Manage therapy equipment, including ordering, inventory, and maintenance.
• Participate in department meetings, strategic planning, and goal-setting initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Business Office and MDS Coordinator to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

Resident & Family Relations
• Serve as a liaison to residents and families regarding therapy goals and progress.
• Address concerns related to therapy services professionally and in a timely manner.
• Educate residents, caregivers, and families on home exercise programs and continuity of care.

Qualifications
• Degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Current, unrestricted licensure in the applicable therapy discipline(s).
• 5+ years of clinical rehabilitation experience, including supervisory or management experience.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, reimbursement guidelines, and therapy operations in skilled nursing or post-acute settings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and improve clinical outcomes.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities with staff, residents, and families.
• Competence in managing budgets, productivity, and departmental resources.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) and therapy documentation systems.
• Commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Primarily facility-based work in skilled nursing or post-acute care environments.
• May require walking, standing, and occasional assistance with therapy demonstrations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced clinical and administrative setting.
• May involve participation in off-site meetings, training, or facility visits.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at times.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Direct patient-facing work in resident rooms, therapy gyms, and common areas
• Frequent interaction with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff in a collaborative care setting
• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids or medical materials while assisting patients
• Work may involve standing, walking, bending, lifting, or guiding patients during therapy sessions
• Environment requires adherence to safety, infection control, and proper use of therapy equipment

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.