Occupational Therapist – NICU (Level IV)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Nashville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research. Organization: MCJCHV Peds Rehab Job Summary: JOB SUMMARY Provides occupational therapy services to patients who have impairments, developmental disabilities, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes under occasional guidance. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives. . Job Title: Occupational Therapist – NICU Location: Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN Department: Pediatric Rehabilitation Services Schedule: Full-Time | Tuesday–Saturday | 8-hour shifts Advance Neonatal Occupational Therapy at a Top-Ranked Children’s Hospital Are you an Occupational Therapist specializing in neonatal care who is passionate about delivering evidence-based, family-centered therapy in a Level IV NICU? Join Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, home to one of the largest and most advanced Level IV NICUs in the nation, and help shape the future of neonatal therapy at a nationally recognized pediatric academic medical center. Ranked No. 1 Children’s Hospital in Tennessee and top-ranked in the Southeast in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals, Vanderbilt Children’s is a destination for complex neonatal care, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Position Overview: Neonatal Occupational Therapist (NICU) The NICU Occupational Therapist provides comprehensive, developmentally supportive care to medically complex neonates and their families. This role is embedded within a highly specialized interdisciplinary NICU team, supporting neurodevelopmental outcomes from birth through transition to home and early intervention. This is an ideal opportunity for an Occupational Therapist with Level III or Level IV NICU experience seeking professional growth in a nationally respected neonatal program. Key Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive neonatal occupational therapy evaluations in a Level IV NICU Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based intervention plans Collaborate with neonatologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists to deliver coordinated care Support feeding readiness, sensory regulation, positioning, neurodevelopment, and parent education Provide family-centered care, coaching caregivers at the bedside Document patient progress accurately and communicate effectively across interdisciplinary teams Support safe discharge planning and transitions to early intervention and community services

Requirements

• Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
• Active Tennessee Occupational Therapy license or eligibility
• Minimum of 3 years of pediatric occupational therapy experience, preferably in a Level III or Level IV NICU

Nice To Haves

• Membership in the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT)
• Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT) or actively pursuing certification
• Advanced training in neonatal therapy, sensory integration, or feeding and developmental care
• Experience in an academic medical center or children’s hospital setting

Responsibilities

• Analyzes comprehensive information from formal and informal assessments that is pertinent to the patient's care and management to determine a rehabilitation treatment diagnosis.
• Collaborates with stakeholders in establishing the plan of care, coordinates and implements care delivery while anticipating patient care needs across the rehabilitation continuum.
• Applies appropriate, evidence-based interventions to ensure effective outcomes and re-evaluates performance to assess the patient's progress towards goals.
• Employs strategies to promote successful return to home, community, and school/vocational environments.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position, and additional duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Practice in a nationally ranked Level IV NICU with the region’s most complex neonatal cases
• Be part of a mission-driven pediatric rehabilitation team committed to excellence and innovation
• Work within a leading academic medical center with research and teaching opportunities
• Access Day One benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off
• Participate in robust continuing education, mentorship, and professional development programs
• Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals and Best Employers in Tennessee

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees