Rehab Director/PTA

Job Description

What Most Job Listings Don’t Tell You

General overview for this role type — specific duties and requirements vary by employer.

Management roles in senior living carry a unique blend of healthcare oversight and business operations that most job listings barely touch on. Executive Directors and Administrators are typically responsible for state regulatory compliance, staff retention, census management, and family satisfaction — all at the same time. In Texas, Assisted Living Facility administrators must meet HHSC licensing requirements, which often include specific training hours and ongoing continuing education.

What surprises many new administrators is the direct involvement with families during crises — end-of-life transitions, care disputes, and emergency situations all land on your desk. Staff turnover in senior living runs high nationally, so a significant part of the role is recruiting, training, and retaining quality caregivers. Facilities in the DFW market compete heavily for qualified staff, making retention strategy a critical skill for anyone in these positions.

What to Expect in This Role Day-to-Day

Based on typical senior living facilities in the DFW area.

A typical day starts with a census and staffing review — confirming occupancy, checking for any overnight incidents, and ensuring the day's shifts are fully covered. Morning stand-ups with department heads (nursing, dietary, activities, maintenance) set priorities for the day. You will spend time on the floor interacting with residents and families, which doubles as quality checks and relationship building.

Afternoons often shift to administrative work — reviewing financial reports, handling vendor relationships, preparing for state surveys, and managing marketing efforts to maintain occupancy. Community outreach, hospital discharge planner relationships, and local referral networks are ongoing responsibilities. Most directors describe the role as never having two identical days — the blend of clinical, operational, and interpersonal challenges keeps the work unpredictable but engaging.

DFW Area Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical/Health Services Manager positions in the DFW metroplex area earn a median wage of $58.48/hr ($121,638/yr). The typical range is $44.34 – $75.25/hr (25th–75th percentile).

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metro Area). Salary data provided by DFW Senior Living Guide.