Clinical Team Lead – NICU, Occupational & Physical Therapy

Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Nashville, TN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center : Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research. Organization: MCJCHV Peds Rehab Job Summary: JOB SUMMARY Leads a team of assigned staff members and actively participates in overall management of the department, development of clinical practice standards, and provision of patient-focused delivery of care and services with accountabilities for implementation and outcomes for people leadership, quality, service, compliance, finance, throughput and scheduling. Ensure the department's optimal performance during each assigned shift and within their team of direct reports by engaging in effective problem solving with lab staff and where appropriate, and other departments, assuring performance standards for patient care are met, and developing/leading the assigned team. Provides feedback and coaching to staff members, recognizing them for their contributions while fostering a high performance culture. . Clinical Team Lead – NICU, Occupational & Physical Therapy Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt | Nashville, TN Level IV NICU | Leadership Role | Day One Benefits Shape the Future of Pediatric & Neonatal Rehabilitation Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt—regularly ranked among the nation’s leading children’s hospitals—is seeking an experienced Lead Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist to provide clinical leadership across our pediatric acute care and Level IV NICU rehabilitation services. For the fourth consecutive year, Vanderbilt University Medical Center has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Employers in Tennessee, reflecting our commitment to excellence in patient care, professional growth, and workplace culture. If you are passionate about neonatal and pediatric therapy, thrive in highly collaborative environments, and are ready to influence care at the programmatic level, this role offers a rare opportunity to lead within one of the country’s most advanced children’s hospitals. Position Overview Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is home to a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the highest designation recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our NICU provides comprehensive, on‑site care for the most medically complex and critically ill infants—supported by pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists, advanced technologies, and a deeply integrated care model. The Acute Care Rehabilitation Team plays a central role in this environment. Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists are embedded members of the NICU care team, partnering closely with neonatologists, nurses, speech-language pathologists, lactation consultants, respiratory therapists, and families. As Lead Therapist, you will guide clinical practice, mentorship, program development, and quality initiatives while maintaining hands-on involvement with patient care. What Makes This Environment Exceptional Level IV NICU with more than 120 beds, offering exposure to a broad and complex neonatal population True interdisciplinary collaboration with PT, OT, SLP, neonatology, nursing, and pediatric subspecialties Evidence-based, neurodevelopmentally supportive, and family-centered model of care Strong emphasis on education, clinical research, and professional advancement This role is ideal for a therapist who wants to balance clinical excellence, leadership influence, and long-term program impact.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy program
• Current Tennessee PT or OT license (or eligibility)
• Minimum 5 years of pediatric therapy experience, including 3+ years in a Level III or IV NICU
• Advanced clinical experience treating medically fragile and complex neonatal populations
• Demonstrated leadership through mentorship, education, program development, or team coordination

Nice To Haves

• Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT) – National Association of Neonatal Therapists
• PCS (PT) or BCP (OT) board certification
• Active membership in NANT or APTA / AOTA pediatric sections
• Experience supporting staff development, competency programs, or interdisciplinary initiatives

Responsibilities

• Serve as clinical leader and subject matter expert for pediatric and NICU PT/OT services
• Lead program development, quality improvement, and strategic initiatives within pediatric rehabilitation
• Mentor and coach PT and OT staff to support clinical excellence and professional growth
• Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary partners to deliver comprehensive, family-centered care
• Contribute to research, education, clinical guidelines, and policy development
• Promote a culture of safety, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Supervises day to day performance of staff through ongoing assessment and coaching to achieve goals.
• Completes formal evaluation of direct reports.
• Supports leadership team in development of staff members by providing substantive feedback.
• Demonstrates clinical/technical knowledge needed to coach staff on day-to-day activities.
• Implements rehab specific policies and practice guidelines in accordance with VUMC policy and regulatory standards using standardized tools and instruments.

Benefits

• Day One benefits—health, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition assistance
• Robust support for continuing education, research, leadership development, and clinical ladders

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level