Job Description

Role Purpose:

The Head of Therapy provides strategic leadership and operational management of the hospital’s multidisciplinary rehabilitation allied health team. This role oversees comprehensive rehabilitation programs across various therapy disciplines, including but not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and other specialized therapeutic services. The focus is on optimizing patients’ functional abilities, independence, and quality of life through integrated rehabilitation approaches addressing physical, cognitive, communicative, and psychosocial needs.

The position ensures compliance with accreditation standards, drives continuous quality improvement initiatives, and maintains excellence in therapeutic services aligned with national and international healthcare protocols. Through effective supervision of the rehabilitation allied health team, the role promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and optimal patient outcomes while supporting the facility’s accreditation requirements and quality metrics.

Key responsibilities of the role:

Managerial/Administration:

• Strategic Leadership and Service Development
• Establishes and maintains therapy service standards, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality care
• Develop and implement strategic plans for service growth and improvement
• Leads business development initiatives, including marketing and promotion of therapy services to stakeholders, referrers, and the community
• Fosters collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary teams, including nursing, medical staff, executive leadership, and other stakeholders
• Workforce Management and Development
• Oversees the recruitment, retention, and professional development of allied health professionals
• Develop and manage staffing plans that align with patient needs and service demands across inpatient and outpatient settings
• Ensures optimal skill mix and staffing levels to maintain quality of care and service efficiency
• Delegates responsibilities based on staff competencies, licensure, education, and experience
• Monitors and supports staff compliance with professional regulatory requirements and codes of conduct
• Quality Assurance and Operational Excellence
• Lead performance improvement initiatives and maintains service delivery standards
• Ensures allied health team adherence to professional scope of practice and regulatory requirements
• Participate actively in hospital accreditation processes and quality management activities
• Implement and monitor clinical governance frameworks
• Participate in and drive the Hospital’s Quality and Audit Programs
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of new practices and innovations
• Assesses safety, outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and social impact when implementing new practices
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Represents therapy services in organizational committees and external forums
• Facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient care outcomes
• Develops and maintains communication channels with referrers and community partners

Technical:

• Responsible for the implementation and delivery of age-appropriate patient care congruent with the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Work with patients facing a variety of medical conditions, including neurological disorders such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease; neuromusculoskeletal issues like chronic pain and arthritis; cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and hypertension; oncological concerns related to different cancers; and respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Each condition necessitates a tailored rehabilitation approach to improve patients’ quality of life.
• Develop and review treatment programs that promote exercise and movement through a variety of techniques, ensuring individualized patient care and collaboration with healthcare professionals to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
• Implement treatment plans consistent with the assessment, short and long term goals and patient expectations.
• Communicate with the patient team regarding equipment recommendations and home environment as part of admission and discharge planning.
• Liaise with family members to conduct home trials, acquire necessary equipment and arrange follow-up care where necessary.
• To carry an active caseload as required by service demand.
• Operates independently under broad direction to promote a co-operative and effective environment for patient care within the facility.
• Utilises evidence-based practice to develop and implement standards of practice that guide practice improvement initiatives.

Education:

• leads and coordinates departmental and interdepartmental educational activities to ensure continuous professional development of allied health staff
• Develops and implements comprehensive training programs aligned with service delivery needs and individual learning goals
• Collaborates with Clinical Resource Nurses in planning and executing staff development programs across therapy disciplines
• Establishes and maintains educational frameworks, ensuring compliance with professional standards and accreditation requirements
• Oversees clinical education programs, including student placements and supervision frameworks
• Creates and maintains partnerships with educational institutions and external training providers
• Promotes evidence-based practice through regular in-service training, case studies, and journal clubs
• Monitors and evaluates staff competencies, identifying learning needs and implementing appropriate training solutions

Qualifications & Years of Experience:

• B.Sc or graduated in rehabilitation allied health (Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, or Speech and language therapy)
• Maintains valid, current licensure from SCFHS to practice senior therapist.
• BLS certification.
• Post-graduate studies (academic or professional) in a specific sub-specialty.
• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Services or in related clinical degree or in the Healthcare field or management/ administration field.
• International accreditation experience.
• Not less than 6 years post graduate experience as a therapist in a large hospital or rehabilitation setting with not less than 2 years of supervisory/senior post.
• The ability to influence and implement change.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with others.
• Organized and able to work methodically.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Able to relate to people from different cultural backgrounds.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English.