Full job description
Established in 2016, the No Barriers Foundation has grown to be a leading force in driving impactful change. We are committed to creating sustainable health solutions, uplifting and uniting communities to creation inclusion and social change. If you are driven by a desire to make a difference and you thrive in an innovative environment where passion meets purpose, this newly created role presents a unique opportunity for the right candidate.
Reporting to the Head of Operations
The Children's Services Manager will lead the development and delivery of the new No Barriers Foundation Children's Services programme, a countywide initiative supporting children with disabilities who are engaged with the CDNT network across Donegal.
This is a management and service delivery role leading a team of staff in providing community-based, inclusive, activity-focused supports. The Children's Service Manager will oversee programme planning and delivery, work closely with CDNT teams and community partners, and ensure high-quality, child-centred services that meet identified needs and funding requirements. A clinical or therapeutic background is desirable to support oversight of any therapy component but is not a requirement of the post.
1. Programme Leadership & Management
Lead the overall planning, implementation, and development of the new Children's Services programme in line with funding objectives and No Barriers' values
Manage, support, and supervise a multidisciplinary staff team, sessional facilitators, and volunteers
Develop staff schedules, caseload oversight, activity timetables, and rota systems
Foster a positive, inclusive, and reflective team culture
Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, training, and professional development of staff
1. Service Delivery
Oversee delivery of inclusive, community-based activities across the four programme strands:
Green / Blue Therapy
Dance, Music & Movement
Inclusive Sport, Sensory Play & Fitness
Family Support & Engagement
Ensure activities are accessible, neurodiverse-affirming, and responsive to children's needs, interests, and developmental goals
Work with facilitators and partners to adapt environments, equipment, and activities for children with varying abilities
Support the development of new community partnerships (e.g. leisure centres, sports clubs, arts organisations, green spaces)
Promote participation, confidence, physical wellbeing, emotional regulation, and social connection
1. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a key liaison with CDNT teams across Donegal, maintaining strong collaborative relationships
Engage with parents, caregivers, and families to ensure services remain responsive and family-centred
Build and sustain partnerships with community organisations, statutory bodies, and local service providers
Represent No Barriers Foundation at meetings, networks, and community forums as required
1. Governance, Reporting & Quality Assurance
Ensure services align with funding requirements, safeguarding standards, and organisational policies
Oversee data collection, monitoring, and reporting for funders and internal evaluation
Support continuous improvement through feedback, reflection, and outcome measurement
Contribute to policies, procedures, and service development as the programme evolves
1. Any Other Duties:
This role will cover any other duties related to the role of Children's Service Manager as requested by the Head of Operations/CEO.
Essential Criteria
Minimum degree in health & social care, education, psychology, physiotherapy, OT, or a related field.
Experience working with children with disabilities
Experience in leadership and staff management
Experience of project management
Experience working collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary professionals
Full clean driving licence and access to transport
Desirable Criteria
Clinical or therapeutic qualification (e.g. OT, PT, SLT, Psychology, Social Work, Counselling)
Experience working with CDNTs or similar statutory services
Experience developing or managing funded programmes
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your Cover Letter and CV. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.
CV & Cover Letter can be sent to by 2pm Thursday 26th Feb 2026
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €64,626.00-€73,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee assistance program
* Gym membership
Work Location: In person