Physical Therapist Director

Position Summary

The Director of Rehabilitation (DOR) is responsible for the strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and operational management of rehabilitation services within a Long-Term Care/Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). This role ensures compliance with Medicare Part A/B regulations, PDPM reimbursement requirements, and all federal and state guidelines while driving optimal patient outcomes, functional improvement, and high-quality care.

The DOR partners closely with nursing leadership, MDS coordinators, and interdisciplinary teams to support resident-centered care and maximize clinical and financial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Management

• Direct and oversee all daily operations of the rehab department (PT, OT, SLP services).
• Lead interdisciplinary collaboration with Nursing, MDS, Social Services, and Medical Director.
• Develop and maintain therapy programs aligned with SNF patient populations (short-term rehab & long-term residents).
• Monitor staffing levels to ensure appropriate coverage for evaluations, treatments, and discharges.

Clinical & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with CMS, Medicare Part A & B, PDPM, and state LTC regulations.
• Oversee accurate and timely documentation, including evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Support compliance with Minimum Data Set (MDS) and ensure therapy documentation aligns with coding and care plans.
• Prepare for and participate in surveys, audits, and compliance reviews.

Reimbursement & Financial Performance

• Manage and optimize PDPM case mix index (CMI) through collaboration with MDS and clinical team.
• Monitor therapy utilization, RUG/PDPM classifications (as applicable), and payer mix.
• Ensure accurate billing practices for Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care plans.
• Track and manage department productivity, labor costs, and operational budgets.

Quality Outcomes & Patient Care

• Drive improvement in key quality metrics, including functional outcomes, rehospitalization rates, and length of stay.
• Implement evidence-based clinical programs for geriatric populations.
• Ensure safe discharge planning and smooth transitions of care.
• Address complex resident needs, including fall prevention, mobility, and ADL independence.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, and retain licensed therapists and assistants.
• Provide training on SNF-specific regulations, PDPM, and compliance requirements.
• Conduct performance reviews and ensure staff competency.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and patient-centered care.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with MDS Coordinator to align therapy services with reimbursement and care planning.
• Participate in care plan meetings and family discussions as needed.
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, and facility leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Licensed Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), or Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in the state of Ohio.
• Preferred 3–5 years of clinical experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility or Long-Term Care setting.
• At least 1–2 years of rehab leadership or supervisory experience in SNF/LTC.
• Strong working knowledge of PDPM, MDS, Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care reimbursement models.
• Experience with rehab documentation systems and EMRs.

Preferred

• Proven experience improving case mix index (CMI) and therapy program outcomes.
• Experience managing Medicare Part A & B therapy programs within SNFs.
• Familiarity with state survey process and audit preparation.
• Certification in geriatric rehabilitation or specialty programs.

Wickliffe Country Villa – Wickliffe 

Rooted in the Community: 
Wickliffe Country Villa is honored to care for the Wickliffe community. Our team is passionate about making a difference in the lives of our residents and their families every day. 

Our Mission: 
“Our Family Caring for Yours” means treating every team member like family. We believe in creating a supportive, respectful, and growth-oriented environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. 

What We Offer Employees: 

• A strong sense of purpose and community 

• Opportunities to grow your career in skilled nursing, assisted living, rehab, long-term care, and hospice 

• Full-time nurse practitioner support and interdisciplinary collaboration 

• A workplace that values your unique contributions and encourages continuous learning 

We See You as a Whole Person: 
Just like our residents, our team members have physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs. We’re committed to supporting your well-being and helping you succeed. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all applicants for positions without the regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, national orientation, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or non-job-related handicap or disability.