Physical Therapy Director

About OSSWF:

Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida has been a cornerstone of orthopedic care in the Fort Myers area for over 26 years. Our practice boasts a team of 19 fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specializing in various subspecialities. We are committed to excellence and continued growth, offering comprehensive services including onsite Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy, MRI, and digital X-ray. We prioritize patient care and strive for the highest standards of service.

Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida's state-of-the-art, 60,000 square-foot facility incorporates the latest in leading-edge technology in order to provide optimal care for patients who have bone, joint, muscle and spine problems. Our office includes five Centers of Excellence and a full Physical Therapy and Occupational/Hand Therapy division, which work in close coordination with our physicians to provide non-operative, preoperative, post-operative and preventive care.

Job Summary: The Physical Therapy Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, clinical oversight, and operational success of the Physical Therapy Department. This position ensures the delivery of high quality, evidence-based physical therapy services while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, accreditation, and organizational standards. The Director provides direct patient care, supervises department personnel, manages staffing and scheduling, supports quality improvement initiatives, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to promote optimal patient outcomes and exceptional customer service.

Essential Functions:

• Provide leadership and oversight of the Physical Therapy Department, ensuring efficient daily operations and high standards of patient care.
• Evaluate patients' physical conditions and develop individualized treatment plans designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, range of motion, mobility, functional independence, and pain management.
• Establish measurable treatment goals, regularly reassess patient progress, modify treatment plans as appropriate, and maintain accurate clinical documentation.
• Administer therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, balance training, therapeutic activities, and physical modalities in accordance with established standards of practice.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, rehabilitation technicians, and other assigned personnel.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, orientation, competency assessments, coaching, performance evaluations, and corrective action when necessary.
• Develop staff schedules to ensure appropriate patient coverage and efficient department operations.
• Monitor productivity, quality metrics, patient satisfaction, and departmental performance indicators while implementing process improvements as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, Medicare and commercial payer requirements, HIPAA regulations, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Assist with budgeting, inventory management, equipment maintenance, purchasing recommendations, and resource allocation.
• Participate in quality assurance, performance improvement, infection prevention, safety initiatives, and accreditation activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practices, regulatory requirements, and advances in physical therapy through continuing education.
• Promote a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, professional development, accountability, and excellent customer service.
• Perform direct patient care as needed while maintaining an appropriate leadership presence within the department.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, referral sources, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO or designated leadership.

Minimum Requirements (education, experience, special skills and licenses or certifications required):

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program.
• Current, active, and unrestricted Florida Physical Therapist (PT) license issued by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy.
• Minimum of three (3) years of clinical physical therapy experience, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory, management, or leadership role.
• Current CPR/BLS certification or ability to obtain within the required timeframe.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance regulations, documentation standards, and rehabilitation compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) and Microsoft Office applications.

Essential Physical Functions:

• Demonstrate sufficient upper body strength and physical capability to safely assist, guard, and stabilize patients during transfers, ambulation, balance activities, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation interventions.
• Perform physical activities required in a clinical environment, including standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, balancing, twisting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and handling equipment throughout the workday.
• Safely lift and carry at least 10 pounds overhead and routinely lift, move, or reposition equipment and supplies as necessary.
• Assist with patient transfers, including providing physical support for dependent patients and participating in team-assisted transfers of patients weighing up to 150 pounds using appropriate body mechanics and assistive devices.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity sufficient to perform manual therapy techniques, apply therapeutic resistance, fit assistive devices, and safely operate rehabilitation equipment.
• Possess adequate visual acuity, hearing, and communication abilities necessary to assess patients, observe changes in condition, and respond appropriately.
• Tolerate extended periods of standing, walking, and repetitive movements associated with direct patient care.
• Assist with patient transfers, including providing physical support for dependent patients and participating in team-assisted transfers of patients weighing up to 150 pounds, using appropriate body mechanics and assistive devices when indicated.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity and sufficient strength to apply therapeutic resistance, perform manual therapy techniques, and operate rehabilitation equipment safely

Equipment Used:

• Computer, scanner, printer, calculator, photocopier, facsimile, telephones, and electronic medical record systems.
• Therapeutic exercise equipment, balance training devices, treadmills, bicycles, parallel bars, resistance equipment, weights, and rehabilitation gym equipment.
• Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, diathermy, hot and cold modalities, traction equipment, and other physical therapy treatment devices.
• Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, gait belts, transfer devices, lifts, and other mobility equipment.