Freedom Bridge:
Thailand’s Political Prisoners Advocacy and Support
Freedom Bridge was established in May 2024 in response to the increasing number of political prisoners in Thailand. Our mission is to provide psychosocial support, advocate for the release of political prisoners and promote human rights and democracy. We provide material, emotional and advocacy support to prisoners and their families. As well as documenting human rights abuses and raising local and international awareness. We’re working toward supporting political prisoners throughout their whole journey including post-release rehabilitation.
Freedom Bridge is under the Rights for Justice Foundation (RJF) which has a mission to to promote, uphold and protect the rule of law, laws and justice process, justice and human rights.
Job Title: Social and Emotional Well-Being Officer
Location: Bangkok, Thailand (hybrid, with occasional travel within Thailand)
Job Type: Full-time (contracted for 12 months, with possibility to extend, depending on fundings)
Position Summary:
Political imprisonment profoundly impacts the psychological well-being of both the incarcerated individuals and their families, particularly children. The trauma experienced by political prisoners—including exposure to violence, humiliation, and isolation—can result in severe mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In our recent work, we have identified significant needs related to the social and emotional well-being of political prisoners and their loved ones. Such as children of imprisoned parents often grapple with emotional challenges stemming from the stigma associated with their situation. Additionally, many recently released prisoners face difficulties reintegrating into society due to untreated mental health issues resulting from their traumatic experiences.
Our observations align with research indicating that political prisoners often face significant mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation and self-harm, which are intensified by their experiences in prison. The transition from incarceration to community life is especially critical; without sufficient support, the risk of mental health crises escalates.
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Social and Emotional Well-Being Officer to join our team. This role is dedicated to enhancing the social and emotional well-being of individuals, particularly focusing on counseling interventions, developing effective coping strategies, and facilitating assessments for referrals to professional services. The ideal candidate will have experience in case management and mental health support.
Key Responsibilities:
Counseling Services: Provide individuals including children and group counseling sessions aimed at improving clients’ social and emotional well-being.
Assessment and Referral: Conduct thorough assessments to identify clients’ needs and determine appropriate interventions or referrals to social and mental health services.
Psychoeducation: Deliver psychoeducational sessions to clients and their families, providing information on mental health conditions, coping mechanisms, and available resources. This includes educating clients about the impact of trauma and the importance of seeking help.
Coping Strategies Development: Collaborate with clients to develop personalized coping strategies that enhance their emotional resilience in the face of trauma.
Crisis Intervention: Respond effectively to crisis situations, providing immediate support and intervention when necessary.
Collaboration: Work with community organizations, other service providers and CSOs to connect clients with additional resources and support systems.
Documentation: Maintain accurate records of client interactions, assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Professional Ethics: Uphold the highest standards of professional ethics by maintaining client confidentiality, respecting clients’ privacy, and ensuring that sensitive information is kept secure.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Social Work with strong knowledge of mental health, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
- Current licensure as a psychologist or social worker is required. For candidates with counseling or related degrees where licensure in Thailand is not available, relevant supervised work experience under a licensed professional is necessary.
- Experience: Minimum 1 year of direct experience in mental health counseling particularly with vulnerable populations experiencing trauma.
Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Knowledge of mental health, evidence based practice and trauma-informed care practices.
- Proficiency in crisis intervention techniques.
- Fluent in Thai
Benefits:
Employment Type: 12-month contract.
Salary: 25,000–40,000 baht,
*with health insurance costs affecting net pay upon mutual agreement.
- Health insurance.
- Reimbursement for supervision and mental health support.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Supportive work environment focused on well-being.
- 20 holidays per annum, in addition to the public holidays.
- 3-month probationary period.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and their attitude toward political prisoners in Thailand.
Applications can be sent to: [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The expected starting date is on March 1st, 2025.
