Director of Physical Therapy

Director of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services

Palm Desert, California | Full-Time | On-Site

Compensation

$150,000–$200,000 Base Salary (DOE)

Comprehensive Benefits Package

About the Opportunity

NorTek Medical Staffing is conducting a confidential search for a Director of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services on behalf of a well-established, physician-led orthopedic practice in Southern California.

This is a rare leadership opportunity for an experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) who wants to shape the future of an expanding outpatient rehabilitation program. The Director will oversee both Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services , providing strategic leadership while maintaining a strong clinical presence within a collaborative orthopedic environment.

The organization is seeking a forward-thinking leader who can elevate patient outcomes, develop high-performing clinical teams, improve operational efficiency, and help expand rehabilitation services alongside an established group of orthopedic providers.

Position Overview

The Director will provide overall leadership for the rehabilitation department, overseeing clinical excellence, operational performance, therapist development, patient experience, quality initiatives, and long-term departmental growth.

This role combines executive leadership with clinical expertise and will partner closely with physicians and executive leadership to continue building a premier outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation program.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Lead the overall direction of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services.
• Promote evidence-based orthopedic rehabilitation practices.
• Maintain high standards for patient care, documentation, clinical quality, and outcomes.
• Provide mentorship and clinical guidance to therapists and rehabilitation staff.
• Foster a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, and exceptional patient care.

Department Operations

• Oversee daily departmental operations, scheduling, staffing, and workflow optimization.
• Improve patient access, operational efficiency, and clinic productivity.
• Monitor departmental performance metrics and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, payer standards, and organizational policies.

Staff Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing rehabilitation professionals.
• Support onboarding, coaching, performance management, and professional development initiatives.
• Build a positive team culture focused on growth, engagement, and clinical excellence.

Strategic Growth

• Partner with executive leadership to expand rehabilitation services.
• Strengthen referral relationships between orthopedic providers and rehabilitation services.
• Evaluate opportunities for new programs, specialty services, staffing expansion, and operational improvements.
• Support long-term planning and service line development.

Provider Collaboration

• Work closely with orthopedic surgeons and medical providers to optimize patient outcomes.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning.
• Help enhance communication and continuity of care throughout the patient journey.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Active California Physical Therapist license (or ability to obtain prior to start)
• Minimum of five years of outpatient orthopedic experience
• Previous leadership experience in one or more of the following:
• Director of Rehabilitation
• Clinic Director
• Regional Rehabilitation Leader
• Rehabilitation Manager
• Senior Physical Therapist with significant leadership responsibilities
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated experience improving operations, developing staff, and leading multidisciplinary teams

Preferred

• Orthopedic or sports medicine practice experience
• Experience leading both Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy teams
• OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT, Dry Needling, or other advanced orthopedic certifications
• Experience with physician-owned practices or outpatient orthopedic organizations
• Background in business development, referral growth, or rehabilitation service expansion

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a confident rehabilitation leader who enjoys building teams, improving systems, and partnering with physicians to deliver exceptional patient care.

They should possess:

• Strong outpatient orthopedic expertise
• A collaborative leadership style
• Operational and financial awareness
• Excellent communication skills
• A passion for mentoring clinicians
• A strategic mindset focused on growth and innovation

Why This Opportunity?

• Leadership position with significant organizational influence
• Direct collaboration with orthopedic physicians and executive leadership
• Opportunity to build and expand rehabilitation services
• Modern outpatient orthopedic environment
• Strong clinical autonomy
• Long-term leadership growth potential
• Competitive compensation package of $150,000–$200,000 , based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package

This is a confidential search being conducted by NorTek Medical Staffing. Additional information regarding the practice will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.