Philadelphia is actively seeking to recruit additional bilingual peer specialists for the behavioral health sector.

The Philadelphia nonprofit recently partnered with the city’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services to offer certification training for Spanish speakers. The program, which is free of charge, began this spring and is a two-week course. Notably, the training and certification are offered in Spanish, providing a more comfortable and confident learning environment for individuals like Delgado, who can speak English but prefers to communicate in Spanish.

Program trainers emphasize that the certification process has become much faster and more accessible for individuals who may have struggled due to difficulties in obtaining foreign diplomas or documents. Hannah Spittle, a bilingual learning and development specialist at Mental Health Partnerships, highlights that unrecognized degrees from other countries often serve as barriers to gaining employment opportunities and access to health insurance.

Delgado, who successfully completed the certification training, now works part-time as a certified peer specialist in Kensington. In her role, she assists Spanish speakers in connecting with mental health services, trauma support, and social services through the Color Me Back program at Mural Arts Philadelphia. As a bilingual support system, Delgado has already made a significant impact in her community by enabling better communication and understanding for individuals seeking help.

Peer specialists like Delgado often start in entry-level positions and can further their careers by obtaining additional training and certifications in the behavioral health field. Delgado aims to focus her work on supporting women and children in need, showcasing the potential for growth and impact within this sector. Through initiatives like the certification training for Spanish speakers, more individuals can access opportunities for personal and professional development in the behavioral health field.