Occupational Therapist - PRN

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Nexus Children's Hospital Shenandoah is seeking a passionate and skilled Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our interdisciplinary team serving pediatric and adolescent patients with complex medical, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental needs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a highly specialized inpatient setting focused on rehabilitation, behavioral health, and neurorecovery.

Located in North Houston, Nexus Children's Hospital Shenandoah is a 50-bed inpatient hospital specializing in the treatment of patients with complex medical and behavioral diagnoses, including neurobehavioral disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic illnesses, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Our collaborative care model brings together medical, rehabilitation, nursing, and behavioral health professionals to provide innovative, patient-centered care.

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides specialized, evidence-based therapeutic services to pediatric and adult patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and complex behavioral and medical conditions. This role requires advanced clinical reasoning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to compassionate, person-centered care.

The OT will perform comprehensive evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans, implement evidence-based interventions, and support patients in achieving greater independence, regulation, and participation in daily life activities.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Treatment

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using standardized assessments tailored to neurodevelopmental and behavioral health populations.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on evaluation findings and patient goals.
• Deliver occupational therapy services across care settings for patients with complex medical, neurological, and behavioral diagnoses.
• Utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions including sensory integration therapy, behavioral strategies, cognitive-behavioral approaches, trauma-informed care, and adaptive techniques.
• Assess and treat sensory processing, motor, cognitive, adaptive, and functional impairments.
• Monitor patient progress, reassess goals, and modify treatment plans as needed.
• Incorporate assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and environmental modifications to maximize patient independence and participation.
• Maintain proficiency in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to support patient safety and therapeutic rapport.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nursing staff, behavior analysts, developmental specialists, and rehabilitation teams to ensure coordinated patient care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings and contribute to individualized care plans.
• Provide caregiver education and staff training regarding therapeutic strategies, sensory regulation, and behavioral supports.

Patient Advocacy & Experience

• Foster a therapeutic environment that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, inclusivity, and family engagement.
• Educate patients and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, and adaptive strategies.
• Advocate for patient access to services, accommodations, and community resources.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation.
• Adhere to AOTA standards, hospital policies, payer requirements, and state licensure regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, peer reviews, audits, and outcome measurement programs.
• Provide supervision and support to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs).

Professional Development

• Maintain competency through continuing education, workshops, certifications, and professional development activities.
• Contribute to clinical education programs and mentor students or new team members.
• Support innovation initiatives designed to improve therapeutic outcomes for neurodiverse populations.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program required
• Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy preferred

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience required
• Experience in pediatric, neurologic, or inpatient rehabilitation settings preferred
• Experience working with neurodevelopmental disorders and behavioral health populations preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced clinical reasoning and therapeutic use of self
• Strong understanding of sensory processing, trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, and assistive technology
• Excellent communication, documentation, organizational, and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage behavioral crises using de-escalation techniques
• Proficiency with electronic health records and digital documentation systems
• Commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive care practices

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Texas Occupational Therapist (OT) license required
• Board registration in Occupational Therapy required
• Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required
• De-escalation training required within 30 days of hire
• All certifications and licensure must remain active and in good standing throughout employment

Why Join Nexus?

• Specialized and mission-driven inpatient setting
• Collaborative interdisciplinary care environment
• Opportunities for growth, innovation, and continuing education
• Meaningful work with medically and behaviorally complex populations
• Supportive leadership and team culture
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Join a team dedicated to helping patients and families achieve meaningful progress, improved independence, and a higher quality of life.