Director for Therapy Services

UT Health East Texas•Tyler, TX

About The Position

The Director for Therapy Services is responsible for planning, supervising and coordinating activities for the Departments of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Inpatient Speech Therapy. He/she is responsible for assuring quality outcomes in patient therapies and achieving the goals related to patient satisfaction. The Director is responsible for department compliance with regulatory standards and the development and maintenance of policies and procedures for the departments

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy.
Two years’ experience as a licensed therapist (PT, OT, or Speech).
Current State of Texas License in PT, OT, or Speech.

Responsibilities

Directs and supervises Physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists and supervisors in planning, implementing monitoring and evaluating patient care therapies according to the established standards.
Develops standards of performance; selects trains/orients and assigns department staff.
Observe personnel in the performance of duties to evaluate effectively (efficiency, skill and abilities).
Performs all functions associated with the evaluation and execution of therapeutic treatment for all age groups within the department’s responsibilities
Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers therapies that are specific to those needs (i.e., age, language, hearing and / or visually impaired, etc.)
This process includes communicating with the patient, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational level, literacy, etc.
Demonstrates administrative/managerial competency in defined area(s) of responsibility.
Develops goals and objectives, establishes and implements policies for the Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy sections and assists staff in achieving those goal and objectives through coaching and mentoring of staff.
Encourages professional development of department personnel through in-service education and/or continuing education.
Assures that areas of responsibility follow the National Patient Safety Goals. · Identifies resources and needs based on fiduciary responsibilities.
Develops, allocates, administers and evaluates the budget processes for their area(s) of responsibility.
Introduces and demonstrates new evidence-based techniques, equipment and research findings to the staff.
Reviews departmental performance, effects change as needed to improve services provided and assure compliance with regulatory standards.
Chairs and/or participates at meeting committees, councils, task forces for the purpose of accomplishing the departmental and organizational goals and objectives.
Ensures ongoing compliance, licensing boards and accrediting agency standards promoting survey readiness as a constant state.
Participates in the development of the annual Performance Improvement plan based on organizational priorities, high risk care issues, or on identified patient care concerns.
Elicits staff input into the Performance Improvement Plan. Developed targeted, measurable goals and monitors in accordance with the documented plan. Provides reports as needed.
Creates a work environment that ensures inter and intra departmental systems/processes are efficient and effective in alleviating work intensity at the unit/department level.
Promotes staff engagement through eliciting feedback and input into departmental processes, positive communication, appropriate reward and recognition, and consistent application of policies and procedures.
Acts as a “Retention Officer” to ensure that high quality staff are recruited and retained.
Objectively evaluates the performance of direct reports.
Makes recommendations for promotion, disciplinary action or discharge. Consults with Human Resources personnel as appropriate.
Participates in the hiring process assuring “buy-in” to organizational mission and values.
Possesses a thorough working knowledge of the hospital computer systems and can perform all systems functions necessary to achieve timely patient care.
Adheres to the standards identified in the hospital’s organizational and managerial competencies.
Works collaboratively with other departments to improve/sustain patient satisfaction results and the achievement of hospital goals and objectives.
Maintains positive working relationships with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.