As a Director of Physiotherapy with the Department of National Defence, you will provide strategic leadership and clinical oversight for physiotherapy services across military health facilities. You are responsible for developing and implementing physiotherapy programs that support the health and rehabilitation of Canadian Armed Forces members and eligible veterans. In this role, you will manage budgets, supervise clinical and administrative staff, ensure compliance with health care standards and regulations, and contribute to the continuous improvement of rehabilitation services.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include setting clinical priorities, mentoring physiotherapy professionals, coordinating interdisciplinary health care teams, and ensuring the delivery of evidence-based rehabilitation programs. You will work closely with other health care directors, military commanders, and external health authorities to align physiotherapy services with organizational objectives. You may also participate in clinical research, policy development, and the evaluation of new treatment modalities to enhance patient outcomes.
You will work in a dynamic health care environment within Canadian Armed Forces facilities, which may include hospitals, clinics, or integrated health centres. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and recovery of military personnel while leading a team of dedicated health care professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of physiotherapy services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the physiotherapy team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you must hold a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy (or equivalent) from a recognized institution and be a regulated physiotherapist in Canada. Current registration with a provincial or territorial physiotherapy regulatory body is required. Many candidates pursuing this role hold or are working toward a Master's degree in Health Administration, Health Services Management, or a related field, which strengthens leadership capabilities.
Professional certifications such as Certified Health Executive (CHE) or similar credentials in health care management are an asset. You should also demonstrate knowledge of health care policy, budgeting, human resources management, and government operations. The Department of National Defence provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including leadership training, advanced management courses, and access to professional networks within the federal health care system. Many directors pursue continuing education in specialized physiotherapy areas, health informatics, or advanced management practices to stay current in their field.
Entry Plans
Entry into this Director-level position typically occurs through federal Public Service competitions open to Canadian citizens. Candidates usually progress from clinical physiotherapy roles (such as Physiotherapist or Senior Physiotherapist positions) within DND or other federal health organizations, or from equivalent management positions in provincial health systems or private practice.
The Public Service Commission posts competitions on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). Successful candidates must pass a thorough security clearance process, as this is a position within the Department of National Defence. Some appointments may occur through executive lateral moves from other government departments or health authorities. Candidates with extensive management experience in health care may enter at this level directly, depending on the specific competition requirements and organizational needs. Internal mobility programs and acting assignments can also provide pathways for advancement within DND.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in federal health care are typically full-time permanent roles due to the strategic leadership and continuous oversight required. However, the Government of Canada is committed to offering flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. This may include flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or telework options for administrative and planning tasks, provided that clinical and management responsibilities are fully met.
Remote work is available for portions of the role involving planning, policy development, and administrative duties, though on-site presence is necessary for clinical oversight, team supervision, and interdisciplinary meetings. Specific flexibility arrangements are negotiated with your manager and depend on operational requirements and the needs of the physiotherapy department. Employees may also be eligible for leave options such as parental leave, sabbaticals, and other provisions under federal collective agreements. Interested candidates should discuss accommodation possibilities during the recruitment process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
