Clinic Director / Physical Therapist

General Summary

We are seeking an experienced Clinic Director / Physical Therapist to lead a high-performing outpatient physical therapy clinic. This role combines clinical care with leadership, team development, and day-to-day operational oversight.

The Clinic Director is responsible for creating an environment where clinicians and support staff can provide exceptional patient care while meeting the operational goals of the practice. You will work closely with organizational leadership, referral partners, and your clinic team to support growth, efficiency, and a strong patient experience.

In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Clinic Director maintains an active clinical role. This includes evaluating patients, developing individualized plans of care, providing evidence-based treatment, and helping patients restore movement, function, and quality of life.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, front office staff, aides, and students.

• Oversee the day-to-day clinical and operational performance of the clinic.

• Help implement organizational initiatives, policies, procedures, and process improvements.

• Maintain clear communication with senior leadership regarding clinic operations, staffing, performance, and growth opportunities.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local physical therapy regulations and practice standards.

• Monitor key clinic performance indicators, including quality of care, patient satisfaction, attendance, operational efficiency, and other established metrics.

• Assist with the development and management of the clinic's operating budget.

• Identify staffing needs and help build and develop a strong clinical team.

• Foster a collaborative culture focused on excellent patient care and team performance.

• Evaluate patients and interpret clinical findings to identify functional limitations and appropriate treatment strategies.

• Develop individualized treatment plans and measurable goals based on patient needs.

• Provide direct patient care and appropriately delegate components of treatment to qualified support personnel.

• Coordinate patient care with physicians and other healthcare professionals when appropriate.

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and billing.

• Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans, home programs, recovery expectations, and ongoing care.

• Demonstrate strong clinical judgment, problem-solving, and independent decision-making.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with community partners and referral sources.

• Lead clinic meetings and provide ongoing education, coaching, and support to team members.

• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance.

• Provide schedule flexibility, including occasional evening or weekend coverage when needed.

• Perform other responsibilities as appropriate to support the clinic and organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong clinical skills and knowledge of outpatient physical therapy.

• Leadership and team-development abilities.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of applicable physical therapy laws, regulations, and professional standards.

• Strong critical-thinking and clinical decision-making skills.

• Ability to identify problems, evaluate potential solutions, and implement effective changes.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to monitor individual and team performance and provide constructive feedback.

• Ability to motivate, develop, and lead clinical and administrative team members.

• Understanding of clinic operations, budgeting, staffing, and resource management.

• Commitment to quality improvement and an excellent patient experience.

• Ability to build relationships with physicians, community partners, and referral sources.

• Comfort working with basic business and clinical software, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Education, Experience & Licensure

• Current or eligible Physical Therapist license in California required.

• Graduate degree in Physical Therapy required; DPT preferred.

• Previous outpatient physical therapy experience strongly preferred.

• Previous leadership, management, or clinic director experience preferred.

• OCS certification preferred but not required.

• McKenzie Method training preferred but not required.

• Current CPR or BLS certification required.

• Candidates must be eligible to participate with applicable federal, state, and commercial payors without current sanctions or exclusions.

Experience in the following areas is beneficial:

• Leading and developing clinical teams.

• Managing clinic budgets and labor costs.

• Identifying and addressing staffing needs.

• Training and mentoring Physical Therapists.

• Leading team meetings.

• Developing physician and community referral relationships.

• Delivering excellent clinical care and patient experiences.

• Supporting clinic growth and operational performance.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Communicate effectively with patients, team members, and healthcare professionals in person and by telephone.

• Hear and speak adequately to perform clinical and leadership responsibilities.

• Maintain sufficient visual acuity to evaluate patients and review printed and electronic information.

• Frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, squat, and perform repetitive hand movements throughout the workday.

• Lift and carry up to approximately 50 pounds without assistance when necessary for patient care.

• Perform the physical duties normally associated with practicing as a Physical Therapist in an outpatient clinical environment.

• Work in an environment that may involve exposure to communicable illnesses, bodily fluids, medical preparations, and other conditions commonly encountered in healthcare settings.