Position Summary
A brand-new skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility is opening in Johns Creek, GA, and we are seeking a seasoned Director of Rehabilitation to build and lead our therapy program from the ground up. Reporting to the Administrator, you will direct a growing interdisciplinary team of physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and speech-language pathologists (SLP/ST), along with PTAs and COTAs, serving a short-term rehab and long-term care (LTC) population. Our residents recover from orthopedic surgery, stroke, cardiac and pulmonary events, and functional decline, and depend on skilled therapy to rebuild strength, balance, range of motion (ROM), and independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).
This is a rare ground-floor opportunity: because we are a new building, everyone we hire helps shape the department, the culture, and the standard of care as our census grows. We will be honest that launching a new nursing home is demanding work, and in return we give you the authority to build your own team, choose your workflows, and set a quality-first tone from day one, with real support from ownership and operations. If you are an experienced rehab leader who wants to create something rather than inherit it, this is the role.
Key Responsibilities
● Lead, build, and grow the rehabilitation department, including recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and mentoring PT, OT, and SLP staff as census expands.
● Oversee the full continuum of therapy services, ensuring evidence-based, individualized care plans for each resident and quality outcomes over volume.
● Direct clinical operations across skilled (Medicare Part A) and outpatient/Part B caseloads, monitoring productivity, utilization, and length of stay.
● Ensure documentation, coding, and reimbursement compliance under PDPM and Medicare/Medicaid guidelines, and maintain survey and audit readiness.
● Partner with nursing, the medical director, social services, and case management in interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings, care conferences, and discharge planning.
● Manage the therapy budget, equipment, and durable medical equipment (DME) needs for a new building, from gym setup to assistive devices and mechanical lifts.
● Oversee restorative nursing coordination, fall-prevention, safe patient handling, and infection control practices throughout the rehab gym and resident rooms.
● Track and report clinical quality metrics, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction, and use the data to continuously improve care.
● Maintain compliance with state, federal, and Joint Commission / CMS standards and all facility policies and procedures.
● Model hands-on clinical excellence, stepping in to evaluate and treat residents as needed while the team scales.
Required Qualifications
● Active, unrestricted license to practice in Georgia as a Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), or Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) through the applicable Georgia state licensing board.
● Graduate of a program accredited by the appropriate accrediting body (CAPTE, ACOTE, or ASHA/CAA).
● Significant leadership experience as a Director of Rehab, Rehab Program Manager, or comparable therapy leadership role.
● Current BLS / CPR certification.
● Thorough knowledge of skilled nursing facility (SNF) and long-term care regulations, Medicare Part A and Part B, PDPM, and therapy documentation requirements.
● Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) and therapy documentation software.
● Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, fingerprinting, drug screen, TB test, and required immunizations in accordance with long-term care requirements.
● Strong communication, team-building, and organizational skills, with the drive to launch a department in a new facility.
Preferred Qualifications
● Prior experience opening or building a rehab department in a new skilled nursing or nursing home setting.
● 5+ years of post-licensure clinical experience in a SNF, subacute rehab, or long-term care environment.
● Demonstrated expertise in PDPM optimization, Medicare Part A/B reimbursement, and case-mix management.
● Experience with therapy and clinical platforms such as PointClickCare, Casamba, Net Health, or Rehab Optima.
● Advanced or specialty certifications (e.g., GCS, CEEAA, NDT, wound care, or dementia care).
● Bilingual candidates are a plus.
Schedule and Location
This is a full-time, salaried leadership position, generally Monday through Friday during day shift, with the flexibility a new building requires (occasional evening, weekend, or holiday coverage as census and staffing grow). You will be on-site at our new facility at 2950 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022. This is an on-site role, not remote.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive base salary of $125,000–$130,000 per year, commensurate with experience, plus a full benefits package.
● Medical, dental, and vision insurance
● Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
● 401(k) retirement plan
● Life and disability insurance
● Continuing education support
● Ground-floor leadership role with real growth potential as the facility and company grow
Physical Requirements
● Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, and reach for extended periods throughout the shift.
● Ability to assist with patient transfers and ambulation, and to lift/support up to 50 pounds, using gait belts, mechanical/Hoyer lifts, and assistive devices for heavier transfers.
● Manual dexterity to perform hands-on treatment, manage equipment, and document in an EMR.
● Visual, auditory, and tactile acuity sufficient to assess residents and respond to changes in condition.
● Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods per infection-control protocols.
How to Apply
To apply, submit your resume and a brief note about your rehab leadership experience through Indeed. Qualified candidates will be contacted for a phone screen followed by an on-site interview and a chance to walk the new building. We would love to talk with experienced rehab leaders who are excited to build something from the ground up.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Our Nursing and Rehab Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process and employment; please let us know if you need an accommodation.
Pay: $125,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
