#TurksandCaicosIslands, October 7, 2023 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ashley Smith-Joseph to the post of Senior Social Worker Zone 1 (Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Safety, Utilities and Transportation.
A native of the Turks and Caicos Islands, born on the Island of Grand Turk, Mrs Smith-Joseph holds an Associate Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
Mrs Smith-Joseph Joined the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in September 2006 as a Clerical Officer in the Department of Social Development. She transferred to H.M. Prison in December 2008 as a Prison Officer until April 2011, when she returned to the Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs and rejoined the administrative team. In November 2018, Mrs Smith-Joseph transitioned into the position of an Assistant Social Worker and later formally entered into the Child Protection Social Worker position in December 2019. After that, she transitioned in May 2021 into the Child in Needs Social Worker role until this recent appointment.
From 2018 through 2019, Mrs. Smith-Joseph was instrumental in the development and implementation of various Programs in The Department of Social Development, including “The Lady in Me” program developed for female high school students ages 12-17 years old to promote self-worth and empowerment and also “My Brother’s Keeper” a program designed to address conflict among male high school students ages 12- 17 for various communities. Additionally, she spearheaded Foster Care Recruitment Drives and Foster Care Reunification Programs within the department to recruit additional foster care parents and promote family reunification.
Mrs Smith-Joseph has benefited from various training opportunities from (UNICEF) Financing Social Protection and Key Social Sector that Matters for Children, Introduction to Public Policy, Mediation Skills, Protocol and Diplomatic Courtesy, Child Protection, Team Building, Public Speaking and Visually Recorded Interview (ABE).
Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Smith-Joseph stated: My motto for achieving change is living by the words “be the change you want to see in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi.
As I embark on this new role as the Senior Social Worker for Zone 1, as my number one priority, I pledge my continued commitment to proudly work following the mandate of the Department of Social Development and Welfare to assist vulnerable persons, to safeguard children and to support families throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Mrs Smith-Joseph, stated:
“Ms Smith initially joined the Social Development Department in the entry-level position of a Clerical Officer. However, she availed herself of the opportunities available to her, having completed both the Associate and Bachelor Degree Social Work programs at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and countless other training programs, something that I encourage others in similar positions to do.
I commend Mrs Smith-Joseph on the work that she has been doing in the Social Development Department and wish her all the best in her new role.”
