Occupational Therapist - Birth to 3

Douglas County, WI; Superior (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Douglas County is seeking an Occupational Therapist to serve as an early interventionist in the Birth to 3 Program in Wisconsin. The role educates and coaches families to support development of children from birth to age three in their daily routines, using evidence-based primary coaching in natural environments.

The interventionist will be part of a multidisciplinary team led by the Birth to 3 Program Coordinator, with full-time status and a wage range of $38.09–$41.05 per hour.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy with appropriate WI licensure.
• NBCOT certification required; Wisconsin OT license in good standing.
• Experience with birth-to-3 or related early intervention is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide early intervention services with child and caregiver in natural environments using Primary Coach Approach.
• Participate in multidisciplinary evaluation of developmental skills for eligibility.
• Assist in completing evaluation reports and IFSP plans.
• Serve as primary early intervention coach for families and children with delays.
• Collaborate with Birth to 3 team and community partners to coordinate services.
• Document required records timely to meet Birth to 3 standards and reimbursements.

Skills

Occupational Therapy

Family coaching

Intervention

Evidence-based practice

Education

Master's in OT

WI licensure

NBCOT certification

Job description

Description

Under the general supervision of the Health Officer, the position serves as an early interventionist in a Birth to 3 Program for Douglas County, WI. It can be filled by an occupational therapist licensed in the state of Wisconsin.

This position will provide quality early intervention services by educating and coaching families, caregivers, and colleagues to support the development of children from birth up to the age of three in their daily routines and activities. Early interventionists support families in enhancing their capacity to help their children by engaging in relationship-based interventions that utilize the evidence-based primary coaching model. This approach aims to foster the development of infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities within their natural environments.

The interventionist will be a member of a multidisciplinary early intervention team led by the Birth to 3 Program Coordinator.

Wage is based on the 2026 scale: $38.09 - $41.05 per hour. FLSA status: non-exempt. Full-time based on 40 hours per week.

Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement- One of the most well managed retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to www.etf.wi.govfor further detail
• County-paid Life Insurance Policy – coverage equivalent to annual salary - affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent coverage available at employee’s expense
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity and Affluent Action employer.

Essential Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

• Provides early intervention services with child and caregiver to help meet Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) outcomes in natural environments utilizing Primary Coach Approach early intervention evidence-based practice.
• Participates in multi-discipline formal evaluation of developmental skills to determine program eligibility.
• Assists in the completion of evaluation reports.
• Participates in team development, review, and evaluation of Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP).
• Serves as primary early intervention coach for families and their children with developmental delays.
• Provides advanced coaching and guidance to the Birth to 3 team and families in the area of expertise.
• Provides joint coaching to other primary coaches and families as needed.
• Completes ongoing assessment of developmental progress.
• Completes Plan of Care reports and submits to primary care physician for approval.
• Collaborates and coordinates with Birth to 3 team members and other community partners as needed to provide the best possible early intervention services.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to cultural, linguistic, social, economic, educational, individual, and role differences among families served.
• Completes necessary documentation and paperwork timely to meet the federal, state, and local Birth to 3 standards and insurance reimbursements.
• Assists in the coordination of services and makes appropriate referrals as needed.
• Guides family members in the proper and safe usage of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Assist with state file reviews and program self-assessment process.
• Participates in regular team meetings, statewide meetings, and training opportunities.
• Performs public health emergency response duties as assigned and consistent with job classification and training provided, in response to threats to the public’s health.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Occupational Therapist: Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy with appropriate licensure. Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the State of WI.
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants are not eligible applicants for this position.
• Valid driver’s license and transportation to travel between homes across the county.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Birth to 3 or other early intervention programs in a natural or home environment is preferred but not required.

Required Competencies

• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct, understanding their impact on self, others, and the organization.
• Demonstrates accountability by taking responsibility for decisions, following through on commitments, and meeting objectives with punctuality and reliability.
• Respects and embraces diversity, fostering an inclusive, professional, and courteous environment for all.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, tailoring messages to diverse audiences with correct grammar and punctuation.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders, demonstrating empathy, tact, and professionalism.
• Resolves conflicts constructively, mediates disputes, and encourages collaboration in achieving shared goals.
• Anticipates and strives to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders with superior customer service and responsiveness.
• Promotes community partnerships and facilitates positive public interactions to enhance service delivery and organizational reputation.
• Uses a family-centered approach to support individuals and communities, ensuring services are accessible, personalized, and high quality.
• Gathers, synthesizes, and analyzes information objectively to make sound, timely decisions with long‑term impact.
• Proactively identifies opportunities and challenges, taking initiative to address them with creativity and innovation.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in diverse situations, balancing multiple priorities effectively.
• Collaborates effectively within trans-disciplinary teams, contributing to shared objectives and fostering a supportive work environment.
• Encourages cooperation among colleagues, partners, and families, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Applies broad knowledge of child development and intervention in natural environments, emphasizing evidence-based practices.
• Excels in evaluation, assessment, and report writing, delivering accurate and actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrates physical and professional readiness to work in varied settings, supporting children and families holistically.
• Strives for continuous improvement, setting high standards for personal and organizational performance.
• Ensures compliance with safety protocols and promotes a safe, supportive environment for all stakeholders.
• Seeks and incorporates feedback, aligning efforts with research-based recommendations and best practices.

Working Conditions

Work performed in the community may involve exposure to various environmental conditions, including inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice, cold, heat), noise, wetness, humidity, vibration, sudden temperature changes, and low illumination at job sites or during travel. Travel to and from field locations may increase the risk of driving hazards.

Community locations may also expose workers to communicable diseases, insects, other disease vectors, hazardous materials, chemicals, toxins, and animals. Employees in this role may occasionally interact with members of the public displaying challenging, atypical, or hostile behaviors. Additional exposure risks may include substandard housing conditions, pets, second‑hand smoke, and similar factors. The noise level in some environments may be elevated, especially in settings with small children.

While an office environment is available for documentation or formal meetings, most work is conducted remotely from a home office. The employer will provide general office equipment to support remote work.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Testing Requirements

Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of this position. Structured interview, references and/or background investigation.

Health Insurance

After 30 days of employment (Employee pays 15% of premium). Single, or Employee + 1 or Family options.

Dental Insurance

After 30 days of employment (Employee pays 15% of premium). Single, or Employee + 1 or Family options.

Life Insurance

After 6 months of employment

Basic: 1 times your annual salary (County Paid)

Supplemental: 2 times your annual salary (Employee Paid)

Additional: 3 to 5 times your annual salary (Employee Paid)

Optional spousal and dependent life insurance (Employee Paid)

$4,000 Life Insurance Policy (County Paid)

Wisconsin Retirement

Employer and Employee contributions to Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS are regulated by the State of Wisconsin. Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail.Mission Square/Nationwide Retirement Services Deferred Compensation Accounts for public employees.

Pre-Tax Plan

Flexible Benefit Plan Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) (Helps employees reduce their taxable income by "setting aside" dollars spent on dependent daycare expenses).

Vacation

Vacation is accumulated on a monthly basis. Newly hired employees will accrue vacation from their date of hire, but are not eligible to take vacation until successful completion of four months of their employment.

Sick Time

Sick time accumulates at 1 day per month up to 120 days.

Employee Assistance Program

(EAP) is confidential, professional help with personal matters. (County Paid)

Long Term Disability

After 30 days of employment.

Short Term Disability

After 30 days of employment (At Employee Expense).

Holidays

10 Paid Holidays per year.

Personal Days

5 days per year.