Nua Healthcare is excited to announced they will be creating 30 new full-time and relief positions in Kildare and Laois, to be filled by June of this year in the areas of nursing, social care and clerical support. Nua Healthcare Services provides crucial specialised residential, respite and day services to individuals with Asperger Syndrome and Learning Disabilities. The organisation has grown significantly over the past 5 years and currently employs over 60 full time staff in the Kildare and Laois areas.

The jobs will include 12 positions in a new adolescent facility in Co Laois, the first of its kind in Ireland, which will open in two months time. This facility will cater for up to four adolescents with Asperger Syndrome.

Edward Dunne, Chief Executive of Nua Healthcare is delighted to be opening his eighth facility in five years. He said “This additional facility is much needed in Ireland; adolescents with high support needs can often be placed in adult psychiatric services or more worryingly, overseas in UK care providers. There are a significant number of children with Asperger Syndrome receiving full time residential services in the UK and Wales due to a lack of services in the state”.

Asperger Syndrome, which is part of the Autism Spectrum, is believed to affect roughly 1 in 300 people. The condition typically affects a person’s ability to socialise and communicate effectively with others. Individuals with the condition are four times more likely to get bullied during adolescence than the general population which can often lead to total withdrawal from social opportunities.  As a result of these social difficulties, these individuals are significantly more likely to develop mental health problems such as anxiety disorders and depression.

Nua Healthcares approach is to design a service around each person as opposed to trying to fit a “square peg in a round hole”. Each individual with Asperger Syndrome can have very specific interests which need to be supported. A service is currently being developed for one individual who loves tractors. A rusty vintage tractor and a mechanics teacher have been sourced for a full restoration project. Activities for other individuals include gardening, art, computers, cooking and independent living skills training.

The type of qualifications needed include Diploma / Ordinary Degree in Social Studies or higher for the social care positions. Nursing jobs will be based in our Learning Disability services and a Degree in Intellectual Disability nursing would be preferable. Expressions of interest for employment can be made by contacting Nua Healthcares HR Department.