Occupational Therapist II- Inpatient Neonatal- Days

About the Role The Occupational Therapist II- Inpatient Neonatal at Evanston Hospital provides specialized evaluation and intervention for medically fragile and premature infants in the NICU, promoting neurodevelopment, supporting feeding and swallowing, and guiding families toward safe transitions home or to the next level of care. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary NICU team to deliver evidence-based, family-centered care in a Level III NICU setting. What You'll Do

• Clinically 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.
• Professional Development: Stay current on evidence-based neonatal occupational therapy practices; participate in continuing education, peer review, and professional organizations relevant to neonatal therapy. What We're Looking For
• Licensure: Licensed or eligible for licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the State of IL; NBCOT certified.
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy or a Master’s/ Doctorate from an accredited college or university approved by the AOTA and the Council on Medical Education of the AMA.
• Certification: CPR required.
• Experience: Minimum of two years of relevant OT experience preferred; experience in a Level II or III NICU desirable.
• Skills/Strengths: 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 Have
• Experience in Level II or III NICU settings (desirable). Compensation & Benefits
• Salary range: $35.16 - $54.50 per hour.
• Benefits include: premium pay for eligible employees, career pathways for growth and development, medical, dental, pet and vision options, tuition reimbursement, free parking, wellness program, savings plan, health savings account options, retirement options with company match, paid time off and holiday pay, and community involvement opportunities.