As a Manager - Therapy with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee therapy services that support the health and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families. This role combines clinical expertise with people management responsibilities, requiring you to direct therapy teams, ensure quality patient care, and maintain operational effectiveness across therapy departments or units. You will work in military healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centres, or integrated health service environments where your decisions directly impact the recovery and quality of life of those you serve.
Your responsibilities include managing therapy staff, developing clinical protocols and best practices, budgeting and resource allocation, performance management, and ensuring compliance with health regulations and military standards. You will collaborate with physicians, other healthcare professionals, and military leadership to align therapy services with broader defence health objectives. This role offers the opportunity to shape clinical programs, mentor healthcare professionals, and contribute to the continuum of care within the Canadian Armed Forces health system.
The work environment is dynamic and mission-focused. You may work in various settings including hospitals, clinics, field operations, or remote postings. The role demands strong leadership, clinical judgment, and the ability to adapt to military operational requirements while maintaining high standards of patient care and staff development.
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, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in a therapy discipline (such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, or psychology) and current professional licensure or certification in your province or territory. Many candidates hold a master's degree or advanced credentials in their clinical field.
Management-specific training is essential. The Government of Canada offers formal management training programs including the Core Public Administration course and specialized leadership development through the Canadian Forces Health Services University. Professional development opportunities include advanced management certifications, postgraduate studies in health administration or organizational leadership, and participation in defence-specific leadership programs. Throughout your career, you will have access to continuing education in both clinical and management domains to maintain current practices and develop new competencies.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Manager - Therapy position within the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through advertised public service competitions. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may be conducted as open competitions or targeted toward current public service employees.
If you are already working in the federal public service as a therapist or in a related health care role, you may apply for manager-level positions through internal competitions or lateral transfer opportunities. Some individuals progress from individual contributor therapy roles to supervisory and then managerial positions within DND.
The Canadian Armed Forces also recruits civilian health care professionals through various pathways. If you are an experienced therapy manager in the private sector or provincial health systems, you can apply when competitions are posted. Networking with DND recruitment teams and monitoring the Government of Canada's official job board (Canada.ca/jobs) will keep you informed of available opportunities. Your provincial therapy credentials will be recognized, though DND may require additional security clearance and medical assessments.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Manager - Therapy positions depend on operational and staffing requirements. While managerial roles typically involve full-time commitment due to leadership and coordination responsibilities, the Department of National Defence increasingly supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Remote work options may be available for administrative and planning duties, though you will need to be present for team meetings, clinical oversight, and leadership activities. The extent of flexibility varies by location and specific unit needs. Compressed work weeks or staggered schedules may be negotiated depending on service delivery requirements and organizational needs. Interested candidates should discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process and with their hiring manager, as arrangements are customized based on the operational context and management level responsibilities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
