Occupational therapist (Ot)
Nexus children’s hospital – shenandoah
Join a team where compassion meets clinical excellence
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.
