Director of Rehabilitation - OT, PT or SLP

About the role

• Director of Rehabilitation (DOR) – OT, PT, or SLP
• Auburn Oaks Care Center
• Job Type: Full-Time

Pay Range

$150,000–$170,000 per year

Position Summary

Auburn Oaks Care Center is seeking an experienced and motivated Director of Rehabilitation (DOR) to lead our rehabilitation department. We welcome qualified candidates with a background in Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), or Speech-Language Pathology (SLP/ST) who are passionate about clinical excellence, resident outcomes, and team leadership.

The Director of Rehabilitation oversees the daily operations of the rehabilitation department, including clinical services, staff supervision, scheduling, regulatory compliance, documentation, productivity, and program development. This position balances administrative leadership with direct patient care as needed to ensure residents receive high-quality rehabilitation services.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who can develop a strong rehabilitation team, promote positive relationships with facility staff and referral partners, and ensure services meet applicable regulatory requirements and professional standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Department Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Oversee the daily operations of the rehabilitation department and supervise therapists, assistants, aides, and students.
• Coordinate staffing and daily schedules to meet resident care needs.
• Participate in interviewing, hiring recommendations, staff training, orientation, and performance management.
• Approve staff timecards and verify time worked.
• Provide feedback and recommendations regarding employee performance and development.
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.

Clinical Services and Quality of Care

• Ensure rehabilitation services meet resident needs and support optimal functional outcomes.
• Provide direct patient care as appropriate while balancing administrative responsibilities.
• Monitor treatment programs and resident outcomes, adjusting plans of care as needed.
• Evaluate and implement new treatment programs and services to meet changing clinical needs.
• Ensure services comply with applicable regulations, professional standards, and facility policies.
• Conduct periodic reviews of clinical documentation for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.

Operations and Compliance

• Manage department productivity in accordance with established expectations.
• Ensure timely and accurate clinical documentation and billing.
• Participate in denials management and appeals activities in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training on safe work practices, body mechanics, and injury prevention.
• Maintain the confidentiality of resident, employee, and company information.

Communication and Business Development

• Build positive working relationships with facility leadership, interdisciplinary teams, residents, families, and referral sources.
• Participate in facility and company meetings as required.
• Identify opportunities to improve rehabilitation services and departmental operations.
• Help develop new referral relationships and identify opportunities for business growth.
• Maintain professional development and continuing education appropriate to the position.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech-Language Pathology preferred.
• Qualified candidates must meet the applicable licensure and professional requirements for the position.
• Prior rehabilitation leadership, supervisory, or department management experience preferred.
• Experience in a skilled nursing or post-acute care setting preferred.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and documentation systems, including Net Health and PointClickCare, preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Licensure and Certifications

• Current, active California license appropriate to the candidate's qualifying discipline and assigned responsibilities.
• License must remain in good standing with the applicable state licensing board.
• Current CPR certification, if required by applicable licensure or facility policy.
• Must meet continuing education requirements applicable to the professional license.

Additional information

Note: Candidates with assistant-level credentials must meet California-specific requirements for rehabilitation department leadership. A California Physical Therapist Assistant license alone does not qualify a candidate for this position.

Physical Requirements

This position involves standing and walking frequently, sitting occasionally, and performing physical activities necessary to support resident care and operate rehabilitation equipment. Duties may include reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, kneeling, and assisting with resident mobility in accordance with safe resident-handling procedures.

Work Environment

• The Director of Rehabilitation works in a healthcare environment with residents, families, rehabilitation staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Noise levels are generally low to moderate.
• Occasional travel may be required based on operational needs.