Occupational Therapist en The University of South Florida Board of Trustees

Provides direct clinical services to families and children served within the Early Steps program. These services include evaluation and assessment; Development of Individualized Family/Child Goals and Strategies on the Individualized Family Support Plan; Ongoing intervention including developmental strategies, coaching and mentoring families, team based strategies. Ongoing progress monitoring of patient’s progress, delivering difficult news to families; and addressing family grief and fear in practice.

Participate in ongoing monitoring of internal and community providers related to program requirements.

Works with the Program Director, Assistant Program Director and the Community Compliance & Development Program Coordinator to implement the provider mentoring model in which benchmarks related to the Team Based Primary Service Provider approach are incorporated into their ongoing practice.

Develops internal agency processes to promote family centered care, the team based primary service provider approach and provision of services and supports within the child's typical routines.

Provides education and training to medical students and pediatric residents who rotate through the Early Steps program.

Provides community training and mentoring related to clinical services provided to children and families through the Early Steps program.

Bay Area Early Steps is currently seeking a Florida Licensed Occupational therapist to join our team in servicing children residing in Hillsborough COUNTY, FLORIDA. Early Steps is the State of Florida's early intervention program designed to support infants and toddlers (birth to 36 months) who have developmental delays or are at risk for them.  Early Steps emphasizes collaboration with families, helping them build skills and confidence to support their child's development.  Early Steps operates as part of Children's Medical Services and falls under IDEA Part C, a federal law that ensures early intervention services for eligible children.

This role focuses on delivering early intervention services using a coaching and routines-based model, with care provided in the child’s natural environment—whether at home, daycare, or other community settings. The therapist will work closely with families to support developmental progress through individualized strategies and mentoring.

Key Responsibilities:

- Conduct clinic based developmental evaluations and therapeutic interventions

- Develop Plans of Care

- Contribute to the creation and implementation of Individualized Family Support Plans (IFSPs

-Provide therapy services in the child's natural environment

- Collaborate with internal staff and contracted providers to ensure coordinated care

- Monitor service quality and maintain accurate documentation that adheres to programmatic requirements

- Ensure compliance with contract timelines and deliverables

- Participate in ongoing training and professional development

- Travel required minimum 3 days/week - mileage reimbursed

- Education and training opportunities of medical students and pediatric residents

We value a team-oriented approach and are committed to supporting our providers with opportunities for growth and collaboration. If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children and their families, we encourage you to apply.

Requires Florida State Licensure as an Occupational Therapy and 2 or more years of experience with children ages 0-5 years.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.