Occupational Therapist NICU
Listed compensation
$48.23-$66.21/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Department Overview
This position is open to an Occupational Therapist. The purpose of this job/position is to function as a member of the Rehabilitation Services patient care team by providing developmental therapy evaluation and treatment for our neonatal population.
Treatment includes therapy services such as neonatal/infant massage and manual therapy, NDT, non-pharmacological pain management, family/caregiver education, and various other physical modalities to promote gross and fine motor development, improve breathing mechanics, and assist patients in improving strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility.
The neonatal therapist in this position would be expected to serve clients in multiple areas of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, including the Doernbecher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric ICU, Pediatric Medical/Surgical wards, and outpatient follow-up services.
Therapists evaluate each patient referred, establish treatment goals/objectives, develop a treatment plan and implement the plan. Therapists are expected to supervise therapy interns and students, assist with other educational research activities conducted by the department or the hospital and meet hospital standards regarding documentation and productivity. This position may include weekend shifts.
- Function/Duties of Position
- Provides a Safe Therapeutic Environment
- Ensures the safety and welfare of patients and fellow employees
- Utilizes proper posture, sound body mechanics and principles for safe patient handling
Considers the needs of patients, employees, medical staff, volunteers, vendors and members of the community in an informative, courteous and compassionate manner
Maintains general good physical and mental health and self-care in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and others in the hospital / clinical setting
Service
Demonstrates excellent customer service and communication skills in all interactions with patients and family, including both telephone and face-to- face situations
Uses I CARE for Introduction and Closing
- Demonstrates active listening skills and supportive, professional/behavior at all times, to patients, families and staff
- Addresses, complaints and problems promptly and courteously, involving management when indicated
- Communicates with patients/families, other health care team members, in a time and cost efficient, courteous manner
Provides Skilled Rehabilitation Treatment
Prioritize care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
Performs and documents skilled patient care activities, including direct treatment and caregiver/patient/family education
- Monitors and adjusts treatment plan specific to patient progress
- Facilitates routine patient activity plans with nursing and other caregivers
- Updates recommendations to team regarding continuing rehabilitation needs and plan as patient’s condition and situation warrant
- Directs, supports and provides supervision as required for COTA’s, Aides and volunteers
- Develops and enhances patient care program and patient outcomes in specialty area
- Documents treatment and other patient contacts in patient's medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR’s and third-party payer criteria
- Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications
Completion of an occupational therapy educational program that is recognized by the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board
Positions within person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first
Limited Permit or Oregon occupational therapy license must be obtained at the time of appointment.
Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies)
Experience in Pediatric Acute Rehab
Clinical Skills in evaluation, treatment and team collaboration, consistent with acute care physical therapist practice
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctorate of OT
- Experience in Level IV NICU, Pediatric Acute Rehab, and Pediatric Outpatient
- Experience with patient/clients aged 0-15 years.
- NICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit coursework or rotation
- NICU Specialty Certificate
- Additional Details
- Routine inpatient hospital environment
Why Apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals.
As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations.
We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
Key Responsibilities
The occupational therapist provides developmental therapy evaluation and treatment for neonatal and pediatric patients across various hospital units. They are responsible for developing treatment plans, supervising interns, and maintaining documentation standards in compliance with hospital and regulatory criteria.
Requirements
Candidates must have completed an occupational therapy program recognized by the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board and hold or be eligible for an Oregon license. Experience in pediatric acute rehabilitation is required, with NICU experience preferred.
Qualifications
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Occupational Therapist Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Oregon is 103.4 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$119k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $115k in an average-cost state. 62.0% of Oregon clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 40 active Occupational Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 3% are remote, 45% have no call, 53% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $100k–$138k | Occupational Therapy median $104k (middle half $94k–$119k)349 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$115k in purchasing power | Oregon index 103.4 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Occupational Therapy listings in Oregon | 135 active | 9,130 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 3% remote · 45% no call · 53% no weekends40 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Oregon Occupational Therapist listings: 13% state a sign-on bonus · 9% offer loan repayment150 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Occupational Therapy listings | 3,199 in the last 30 days | 1,714 the 30 days before (+87%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Occupational Therapy pay trend | +3.0% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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