Physical Therapist / Center Manager

A well-established outpatient rehabilitation organization is seeking a motivated Physical Therapist / Center Manager to lead its Santa Cruz clinic.

This is a hands-on leadership position that combines direct patient care with responsibility for clinic operations, employee development, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and business growth. The Center Manager will maintain an active patient caseload while creating a positive, efficient, and patient-focused environment for employees and the community.

We welcome experienced clinic leaders as well as accomplished physical therapists who are ready to advance into a formal management role.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Evaluate patients and develop individualized plans of care based on clinical findings and functional goals
• Provide skilled physical therapy services in accordance with California practice standards
• Maintain a full or appropriately assigned patient caseload
• Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans when clinically appropriate
• Complete evaluations, daily notes, progress reports, physician communications, authorizations, and other required documentation accurately and on time
• Maintain open, professional communication with patients, families, physicians, referral sources, payers, and members of the care team
• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for therapists, assistants, aides, and support employees

Clinic Leadership and Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of the outpatient rehabilitation clinic
• Manage patient scheduling, workflow, staffing, productivity, and caseload distribution
• Recruit, onboard, train, coach, and develop clinical and administrative employees
• Establish clear expectations and provide regular feedback and performance evaluations
• Lead staff meetings, clinical training sessions, and operational discussions
• Address employee concerns professionally and partner with Human Resources when appropriate
• Build a collaborative workplace culture centered on accountability, respect, patient care, and continuous improvement
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional clinical environment

Financial and Business Performance

• Manage clinic performance against established operational and financial goals
• Review revenue, expenses, productivity, staffing, and profit-and-loss results
• Identify performance challenges and implement measurable improvement plans
• Assist with the development and management of the clinic's annual operating budget
• Monitor purchasing, equipment requests, and operating expenses
• Support local marketing and community outreach efforts
• Build and maintain relationships with physicians, employers, payers, and other referral partners
• Identify opportunities to expand services, increase referrals, and strengthen the clinic's presence in the community

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure clinic operations comply with company policies and applicable state, federal, payer, and professional requirements
• Maintain high standards for clinical documentation, patient safety, billing accuracy, and quality of care
• Conduct or participate in quality assurance and compliance reviews
• Monitor clinical outcomes and develop improvement plans when necessary
• Ensure employees complete required compliance, safety, and clinical training
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels to support safe and effective patient care

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of a physical therapy education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
• Current or eligible California Physical Therapist license
• Current CPR certification
• Ability to maintain required health screenings and employment credentials
• Strong clinical judgment and outpatient physical therapy experience
• Leadership experience or demonstrated readiness to supervise and develop employees
• Knowledge of clinical documentation, billing, productivity, and regulatory requirements
• Strong organizational, communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage competing clinical and operational priorities
• Proficiency with electronic medical records, Microsoft Office, and clinic-management systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Center Manager, Clinic Director, Lead Physical Therapist, or Clinical Supervisor
• Outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation experience
• Experience managing clinic financial performance or profit-and-loss results
• Experience with recruiting, performance management, employee relations, and staff development
• Established relationships within the local medical or rehabilitation community
• Experience developing referral relationships and supporting clinic growth

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers annual compensation between $100,000 and $130,000, depending on experience, qualifications, clinical background, and leadership responsibilities.

Qualified candidates may also be eligible for hiring incentives totaling up to $28,000, which may include:

• Sign-on bonus
• Relocation assistance
• Student-loan repayment assistance
• Performance-based annual bonus for qualifying Center Managers

Additional benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-supported retirement plan and 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Continuing education assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Mentorship and leadership development
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Employee referral program
• Pet insurance
• Opportunities for professional advancement