Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Director General - Therapy

NOC 13 Therapy Director General, Executive Director or equivalent Non-Digital
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Overview

As a Director General - Therapy, you will provide strategic leadership and executive direction for therapy services across the Department of National Defence. This role involves overseeing the planning, development, and delivery of therapeutic programs and services that support the health and wellness of military personnel and their families. You will set organizational priorities, manage budgets, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based therapy services aligned with DND health care objectives. In this position, you will lead a team of therapy professionals and support staff, establishing clinical standards and best practices. Your responsibilities include strategic planning, policy development, performance management, and liaison with other government departments, health authorities, and external stakeholders. You will advocate for resources needed to deliver effective therapy services and ensure programs meet the evolving needs of the military population. You will work in a dynamic health care environment where your decisions directly impact the well-being of service members and their families. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, the ability to manage complex organizational challenges, and a commitment to advancing therapy services within the federal health care system.

Key Responsibilities

Provide therapy services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care

Required Skills

Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving

Typical Education

Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements

Training

To be eligible for this position, you must hold a valid registration or licensure as a therapist (such as a registered psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist) from your provincial or territorial regulatory body. A master's degree or higher in a relevant health discipline is typically required. Many candidates hold specialized certifications or credentials in their therapy discipline. Professional development opportunities include executive leadership programs, DND-sponsored training in health care management and policy, and professional conferences in your therapy specialty. The Government of Canada offers managers access to training in areas such as organizational leadership, financial management, and public sector governance. Continued professional development and maintaining your therapy credentials are expected throughout your career.

Entry Plans

To join the DND civilian workforce as a Director General - Therapy, you typically enter through a competitive staffing process. These processes may be advertised through the Government of Canada's official jobs portal (Canada.ca/jobs and the DND careers website). Candidates may apply from outside government, or current federal public servants may apply through internal competitions. If you are already employed in the federal Public Service at a lower management level in a therapy or health-related role, you may be eligible to apply for promotion competitions. Some candidates may transition laterally from similar health care leadership positions in other government departments. The specific entry pathways depend on staffing needs and available competitions at any given time. We encourage you to monitor the DND careers website and Canada.ca/jobs for current opportunities.

Part-Time Options

Part-time work arrangements for Director General positions are limited due to the executive nature of the role and the need for consistent strategic leadership. However, flexible work arrangements such as compressed work weeks or adjusted schedules may be negotiated with your manager depending on operational requirements and departmental policies. Remote or hybrid work options may be available for portions of your duties, particularly for administrative and strategic planning work. However, as an executive leader, you would be expected to be present for key meetings, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership activities. The extent of flexible or remote arrangements would be determined in consultation with senior management and based on the specific needs of your branch and the DND's operational requirements.