ECI Occupational Therapist

About the role

Metrocare’s Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program provides developmental therapies and service coordination to eligible babies from birth up to age 3 who have significant developmental delays or disabilities under IDEA Part C. Services are delivered in natural environments (home, daycare, community settings, telehealth) using a coaching model with primary caregivers.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. Services and required meetings/trainings must be performed within these operational hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and provide individual motor therapy for infants, toddlers, and routine caregivers in inclusive, natural settings using the coaching delivery model.
• Provide consultation and therapy services to families as outlined in the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and internal referral procedures.
• Organize caseload and schedule services with assigned families.
• Evaluate and develop assistive technology/adaptive equipment to support daily living skills and promote independence according to developmental goals.
• Participate in an interdisciplinary team to determine eligibility for the ECI program using standardized evaluation protocols (e.g., BDI‑3, HELP Strands, DAYC‑2).
• Utilize discipline‑specific assessment tools (e.g., AIMS, Sensory Profile) to determine appropriate OT services for infants and toddlers.
• Coordinate with and provide consultation/training for other interdisciplinary team members as needed.
• Complete accurate and timely service documentation, including progress notes and assessment records (submitted by 11:59 p.m. the following business day).
• Work in accordance with ECI philosophy regarding natural‑environment delivery, coaching, and teamwork with other ECI providers.
• Comply with Metrocare ECI and HHSC ECI State policies and procedures.
• Support Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, students, and interns as assigned.
• Attend regularly scheduled ECI Team Meeting and OT/PT Team Meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Adherence to ethical standards, state contracts, professional standards, and applicable laws.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and continuous‑improvement skills.
• Excellent communication and confidentiality practices.
• Self‑motivation and professional acumen.
• Ability to speak in front of unfamiliar audiences.
• Passion for advocating for and educating about children’s needs.
• Capability to develop and manage day‑to‑day therapy and evaluation schedules.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program (required).
• Licensed and Registered Occupational Therapist by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (required).
• At least 2 years of experience working with infants and/or families in an employment or volunteer capacity (required).
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or American Sign Language (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for work purposes (required).
• Basic mathematical skills and ability to follow simple one‑ or two‑step instructions.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and internet resources.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Health Savings Account with employer matching
• Professional development allowance up to $2,000 per year
• Bilingual stipend – 6 % of base salary
• Additional benefits offered by Metrocare