Directors in Therapy lead therapeutic service programs and teams within the Department of National Defence. In this role, you will provide strategic direction for therapy services, manage budgets and resources, and ensure quality care delivery to military personnel and their families. You will oversee clinicians and support staff, develop policies and procedures, and collaborate with other health care leaders to integrate therapy services into the broader military health system.
Your responsibilities include supervising licensed therapists and technicians, planning and implementing therapeutic programs, ensuring compliance with clinical standards and regulations, and maintaining accurate documentation and records. You will also participate in recruitment and training of therapy staff, evaluate program effectiveness, and stay current with evidence-based therapeutic practices.
Directors in Therapy work in military medical facilities, rehabilitation centres, and health service delivery units across Canada and potentially internationally. This is a leadership role that requires both clinical knowledge and management expertise, offering the opportunity to shape therapeutic care for the Canadian Armed Forces community.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of therapy services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the therapy 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 a Director - Therapy position, you must hold a Master's degree in a therapy-related discipline (such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, or social work) from a recognized institution. Most positions require licensure or professional certification in your specific therapy discipline, and you must maintain active membership in the relevant professional regulatory body.
Management and leadership training is essential for success in this role. The Government of Canada offers mandatory training in areas such as labour relations, financial management, and people management. Many Directors pursue additional credentials in health care administration, organizational leadership, or business management. Professional development is ongoing and may include conferences, specialized clinical training, and advanced management certifications through professional associations.
Entry Plans
Entry to Director - Therapy positions in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through advertised competitions open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. These competitions assess your clinical expertise, management experience, and leadership capabilities. You may enter through several pathways:
If you are already a DND civilian employee in a therapy-related role (such as a Therapist or Senior Therapist), you can apply for Director-level competitions as an internal candidate. External candidates with relevant therapy credentials and management experience can also apply when positions are advertised. Some Directors transition from similar leadership roles in provincial health systems or other federal departments.
The Public Service Commission manages these recruitment processes. Candidates are typically evaluated through written exams, interviews, and review of their clinical and management background. Successful candidates complete a security clearance process before beginning employment.
Part-Time Options
Director - Therapy positions are typically full-time roles due to the management and supervisory responsibilities involved. However, the Government of Canada does offer flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and management approval.
While traditional part-time schedules are uncommon for Directors, many DND workplaces offer flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or telework options for administrative and planning duties. Remote work for strategic meetings and correspondence is increasingly available. If flexible arrangements are important to you, these can be discussed during the recruitment process and explored with your manager once hired, depending on the specific position and location. The ability to accommodate work-life balance needs varies by facility and operational demands.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
