Occupational Therapist (per diem) – Inpatient Neonatal – Days

Nevada System of Higher Education•Evanston, IL

8d•$35 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation is currently seeking an Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide specialized evaluation and intervention for medically fragile and premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The OT promotes optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes, supports feeding and swallowing, fosters parent–infant bonding, and ensures safe transition to home or next level of care. This role requires collaboration with the multidisciplinary NICU team—including neonatologists, nurses, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers—to deliver evidence-based, family-centered care. The Evanston Hospital Infant Special Care Unit is a Level III NICU providing critical care to newborns across the northern Chicagoland region. With over 500 annual admissions we provide expertise across neonatal issues including: specialized small baby care, therapeutic hypothermia, and high risk neonatal developmental follow up. We have a dedicated and supportive multidisciplinary care model that includes team members from nursing, pharmacy, respiratory care, dietary, and social work.

Requirements

Licensed or eligible for licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the State of IL, NBCOT certified
Bachelor of Science from a school of Occupational Therapy or a Master’s degree or Doctorate from an accredited college or university approved by the AOTA and the Council on Medical Education of the AMA
CPR required

Nice To Haves

Minimum of two years of relevant OT experience preferred.
Experience in a Level II or III NICU desirable.
Knowledge base in neonatal motor and sensory processing development, as well as feeding/swallowing
Skilled in family education and coaching
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team emphasizing communication and best practices.

Responsibilities

Assess neuromotor, sensory, and behavioral development of premature and medically complex infants.
Provide interventions to promote self-regulation, positioning, acclimation to sensory input, and motor skill acquisition.
Support oral feeding readiness, feeding safety, and progression in collaboration with speech and lactation services.
Educate and coach families in infant handling, positioning, and developmental care strategies.
Facilitate discharge readiness planning, including equipment needs, follow-up services, and caregiver training.
Provide outpatient support in the Developmental Follow Up clinic.
Partner with NICU care team members to integrate OT recommendations into the daily plan of care.
Communicate clearly with families, respecting cultural and individual differences.
Contribute to multidisciplinary rounds, care conferences, and developmental follow-up clinic as determined with manager.
Maintain documentation in compliance with hospital and regulatory standards.
Contribute to quality improvement initiatives related to neurodevelopment, feeding, and family-centered care.
Educate NICU staff on developmental care practices.
Stay current on evidence-based neonatal occupational therapy practices.
Participate in continuing education, peer review, and professional organizations relevant to neonatal therapy.