Nova Scotia Community College Year 1: Human Services

My first year at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) provided me with the
knowledge and experience that formed the foundation of my career in a Human Services
profession. Key knowledge and skills that I gained include:
An understanding of how individuals learn and develop psychologically and
physically as they age.
Interviewing techniques to effectively gain an understanding of clients' needs and
challenges.
How to effectively work in a team environment.
How to adapt my approach to communicating with clients based on their
personality, learning style and their mental state.
Techniques to motivate co-workers and clients based on organizational
behaviour-based approaches.
Nova Scotia Community College Year 2: Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
My second year at NSCC provided me with basic knowledge and skills that I require for
a career in the field of Therapeutic Recreation. Key knowledge and skills that I have
acquired, and will use as a Therapeutic Recreation professional, include:
Professionalism is the cornerstone of the Therapeutic Recreation profession. I
must maintain my professional demeanor within and outside of the workplace.
It is essential to respect and maintain client confidentiality.
Leisure services are delivered by a very broad range of agencies to a very diverse
group of clients.
It is critical for recreation and leisure providers to understand the full scope of
recreation and leisure resources that are available in their community.
Many forms of leisure activities have the potential to have negative as well as
positive effects.
Through a research paper I gained an understanding of considerations and
techniques to effectively provide leisure services to persons with Downs
Syndrome.
The importance of being an advocate for my clients and my profession.
Science-based decision-making is essential.
Professional organizations such as TRAAC and NSRPH provide advocacy and
professional development opportunities for TR professionals.
How to use proper wheel chair etiquette and transferring skills.
How to develop goals for clients and prepare progress notes.
How to adapt activities to client needs.
How to do intake and set the proper environment for interviewing clients.
How to work around communication barriers. I specifically researched
communication barriers for persons with Huntingtons disease.
How to best provide step-by-step instructions to clients.
How to effectively get clients involved in activities.
How to prepare an effective resume and supporting cover letter.
How to encourage and manage volunteers
Gained a better understanding of death, loss and dying.
Learned strategies for end of life care.
Gained understanding of community programing and opportunities.
Gained confidence in leadership
Learned about group dynamics
Studied a variety of health conditions and the role TR can play.