Occupational Therapist – Inpatient NICU – Days

Endeavor Health•Evanston, IL

11d•$39 - $61•Onsite

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist will work in the Inpatient NICU setting, focusing on providing care for premature and medically complex infants. This role involves assessing and intervening to promote infant development, supporting feeding readiness, and educating families. The therapist will also collaborate with the NICU care team, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, and stay current with evidence-based practices in neonatal occupational therapy.

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
BLS/CPR required from the American Heart Association
Minimum of two years of independent, relevant OT experience required
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a Level II or III NICU desirable.

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.