Occupational Therapist

Nexus Health Systems; Shenandoah (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for growth

Continuing education

Competitive compensation

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Nexus Health Systems in Shenandoah, Texas, is seeking a passionate Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide specialized therapeutic services to pediatric patients with complex medical needs. This role includes conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, a Texas OT license, and at least two years of clinical experience. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our patients' lives and work in a collaborative environment focused on rehabilitation and recovery.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience required.
• Experience in pediatric, neurologic, or inpatient rehabilitation settings preferred.
• Current Texas Occupational Therapist (OT) license required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using standardized assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on evaluation findings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated patient care.

Skills

Advanced clinical reasoning

Strong understanding of sensory processing

Excellent communication skills

Ability to manage behavioral crises

Proficiency with electronic health records

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy

Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Tools

Electronic health records systems

Job description

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 highly specialized inpatient setting focuses on rehabilitation, behavioral health, and neurorecovery.

Position Summary

The 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 and participation in daily life activities.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.