Director of Therapy

Friendship Haven, Inc.; Fort Dodge (IA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Friendship Haven, Inc. in Fort Dodge, IA, seeks a dynamic Therapy Department Leader to oversee clinical services, staff, operations and financial performance across campus, including Rock Steady Boxing.

You will provide resident-centered care, drive quality outcomes and coordinate interdisciplinary teams to promote rehabilitation and quality of life. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, budget management, policy development, recruitment and retention, program development and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's/Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology or related field.
• Three years’ supervisory experience in a retirement community involving therapy or wellness programming.
• Experience coordinating interdisciplinary teams and applying regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Therapy Department across campus, including inpatient/outpatient services.
• Oversee budgeting, policies, staffing, recruitment and program development.
• Promote resident-centered care and rehabilitation outcomes and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Team leadership

Organizational skills

Customer service

Compliance audits

Education

PT/OT/SLP related degree

Job description

Lead and manage all aspects of the Therapy Department, including clinical services, staff, operations, resources, facilities, equipment, Rock Steady Boxing and financial performance. Ensure the delivery of comprehensive, resident-centered therapy programs that promote rehabilitation, functional independence, communication and quality of life throughout the Friendship Haven campus.

Functions and Job Duties

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for therapy services across the campus, fostering collaboration with nursing and interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality, resident-centered care and optimal therapy outcomes.

Manage the overall operations of the therapy department, inpatient and outpatient, ensuring excellence in clinical quality, regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and financial performance.

Direct and coordinate therapy operations to promote consistency, efficiency, accountability, and the effective utilization of resources across all therapy programs.

Oversight and management of the Rock Steady Boxing program.

In addition to departmental leadership responsibilities, provide therapy treatment and evaluation services as able based on licensure abilities. Collaborate with residents, families, physicians, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement individualized treatment plans that support optimal outcomes and resident well-being.

Oversee efficient work practices and productivity standards to maximize the effective use of therapy resources while maintaining quality resident care and service excellence.

Lead and supervise interdisciplinary collaboration with nursing and other departments to develop, implement, and evaluate therapy programs that support resident rehabilitation, wellness, functional independence, and quality of life.

Oversee the development and implementation of resident orientation processes related to therapy services, ensuring residents and families understand available programs, goals, and expectations.

Promote and market therapy services throughout the campus and community, educating prospective residents, families, referral sources, and healthcare partners on the benefits of therapy services and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) rehabilitation programs.

Participate in admissions, tours, and outreach efforts by discussing therapy services and rehabilitation opportunities with prospective residents and families.

Develop, manage, and monitor therapy budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, efficient resource allocation, revenue optimization, and achievement of operational goals.

Establish, review, and maintain therapy policies, procedures, and best practices to support quality outcomes, regulatory compliance, risk management, and continuous performance improvement.

Lead all aspects of recruitment for the therapy department, including hiring, onboarding, coaching, engagement, performance management, staff development, scheduling, and retention.

Foster a culture of professional growth, accountability, teamwork, innovation, and excellence within the therapy department.

Monitor departmental quality indicators, productivity metrics, resident outcomes, and customer satisfaction measures, implementing improvement initiatives as needed.

Develop educational materials and contribute articles, presentations, and other communications for Friendship Haven publications, marketing initiatives, and community outreach efforts as requested.

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, accreditation standards, payer requirements, and organizational policies related to therapy services.

Collaborate with campus leadership to identify opportunities for program growth, service enhancement, strategic initiatives, and innovation that support resident wellness and organizational goals.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Support the mission, vision and values of Friendship Haven.

Knowledge of aging issues and Alzheimer's and other dementia-related illnesses.

Abide by Friendship Haven Way.

Ability to work and lead effectively with co-workers in a team environment.

Ability to self-initiate with minimal supervision.

Demonstrate strong organizational skills.

Ability to deliver excellent customer service and public relations.

Ability to conduct compliance audits.

Excellent problem-solving skills.

Responsible for the development of outpatient programming.

Must be eligible to work in the Federal Health Program.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor.s, Master.s, and/or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, PTA, COTAand/or Speech-Language Pathology or Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science or related field.

Experience: Three years’ experience in a supervisory capacity in a retirement community involving therapy or wellness programming.

Physical Demands

Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during work hours.

Willing to work beyond normal working hours, and on weekends and holidays when necessary.

Mental Demands

Subject to frequent interruptions.

May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, families and visitors. Required to manage multiple tasks.

Friendship Haven is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. By submitting this application, I certify all information contained within this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that providing false information is grounds for refusing to hire me, or for termination should I be hired.