Interested in becoming a Teenior?
See the homepage of our site to learn more about our work!
Read all of the below FAQs before applying.
Our coaches range in age from 15 to 30, as we seek a variety of skills sets to help people of every age.
We value applicants who are:
*Kind *Patient *Honest *Responsible *Punctual *Professional *Tech-Savvy, and
*Comfortable communicating with older adults
Every teenior must complete a minimum two (2) hours of volunteer coaching at one of our free community events prior to becoming eligible for paid work. This trial screening ensures that it's a fit for both you and our company. See FAQ's below, then contact us for an application. After we receive your completed application, we'll get in touch schedule an interview if your skills and schedule fit our needs! Either way, you'll hear from us.
Questions? (505) 600-1297 | teeniors@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about becoming a "Teenior"
How do I apply to Teeniors®?
First, fill out an online application by clicking above. If your qualifications meet our needs as we conduct our next phase of hiring (for example, right now we're seeking Teeniors coaches who are over 18), we’ll contact you to schedule an interview! Either way, we strive to get back to you with an interview time or response within two (2) weeks of your application submission.
What technology do I need to know?
Any kind that you are comfortable teaching! Every client has different needs. Right now, we need help coaches who understand Windows based systems, Apple, Android and distance-learning software. Our clients are older adults who are in need of help with all sorts of technology, such as learning apps on their smartphones, settings on their devices, or how to navigate websites or the cloud! For older teens/young adults, we sometimes do home sessions that involve setting up Netflix on a Smart TV, an Amazon Echo, or a range of other needs. Occasionally we also get questions on how to connect a printer or work a camera. Most of our teeniors are comfortable with one operating system over another (i.e. iOS versus Android). Your ability to kindly and patiently explain the features of these devices and software programs is what we find most valuable. We do not train you on technology - rather, your knowledge, your kindness, your patience, your personality type, your availability to work, and most importantly, your ability to communicate with older adults in a one-on-one format, is what we are looking for when we select applicants.
What happens after the interview?
After a successful interview and reference check, new teeniors are required to complete the following before becoming eligible for paid opportunities:
What are the hours?
It’s up to you! (For the most part.) Because Teeniors® is a small business / non-profit and our clientele varies each month, we cannot assign weekly schedules because our workload fluctuates. Some weeks you will have one or more coaching opportunities, others you may have none. You tell us when you're available - we'll tell you when we have work opportunities for you! Hours vary depending on your availability and when a client needs us, or when a group class is scheduled. During your interview, you'll learn more - and we’ll confirm the days and time frames you’re available each week so that you'll be contacted when opportunities come up. Our group events are typically 2-3 hours long and often take place on weekdays. Individual coaching sessions range from 1-2 hours and can be scheduled any day or time of the week at our office, the client's home*, a library, or via video call.**
As a new organization, we certainly cannot offer you the same amount of hours as a large, established corporation (i.e., Starbucks), but as our organization grows, we hope to provide our young people in New Mexico more and more work opportunities. You are very likely to find that your minimal hours worked at Teeniors will also provide tremendous benefits that go far beyond monetary pay.
Can I just apply to be a volunteer? Getting paid is cool, but I have volunteer hours required for school, or am too young to work.
Absolutely! We have great relationships with a number of local schools and are honored that you would like to serve your community in this way. You’ll still need to fill out an online application above just specify "volunteer only" next to your name. If your application meets our needs, we’ll contact you to schedule an in-person interview and orientation. Just make sure to let us know in your application that you're applying to volunteer only.
How do I find out about coaching jobs/opportunities?
Once you’re on our roster as a Teeniors® coach, you’ll receive regular communications advising you about upcoming opportunities.
What’s the difference between group events and individual coaching?
Group events are usually held at a senior center or senior living community, and are currently paused through the Covid outbreak (Instead, we are doing group classes online). But typically in a group event, a team of 6-7 teeniors - and a supervisor who will oversee the workshop - meet at a senior center where you'll be paired up with an older adult to tutor them. Despite it being a “group event”, it is still one-on-one tutoring that takes place simultaneously between multiple pairs. For private coaching sessions, one teenior and one client will be set up for a coaching session in person, or virtually via phone/video. In-person coaching essions with Teeniors' who are under 18 our always take place in the presence of an adult staff member at our office space downtown. For home sessions or other venues (i.e. for coaching on a home computer), teeniors must be be at least 18 years of age.
I understand that if I'm selected, I'll work as an "independent contractor" for Teeniors. What’s the difference between a W-2 tax form (employees) and a 1099-Misc tax form (contractor), and why are teeniors the latter?
Great question! Teeniors® are independent contractors, not W-2 employees. W-2 employees (i.e. working at McDonalds) receive wages that are taxed at the time of issuance and subject to deductions for healthcare, retirement, and Social Security. As such, our company will not deduct taxes from the wages we pay you. You will be a 1099 contractor and thus responsible for paying any necessary taxes on your Teeniors™ earnings at the end of each year. As a small business and non-profit, we handle wages this way because the nature of our work is very fitting for independent contractors. We do not yet have the clientele to support full-time (or even the average part-time) workers, nor do we know at this point how many working hours we can provide you in a given month. So Teeniors™ was established this way from the beginning. You are welcome to ask us questions anytime, and we will explain details of working as an independent contractor at your orientation.
How are we paid?
Teeniors® coaches are paid $10+/per hour for in-office and virtual coaching, and $15 per hour for in-person (Covid safe) home coaching. You'll always be advised in advance about job opportunities based on your availability, and can choose to accept the session or not. Teeniors' coaches keep track of their time in collaboration with our staff, and are paid every month after submitting an invoice. Checks will be mailed to the address you specify, or you can choose to be paid through Paypal, or pick up your check in person.
Anything we haven't covered? Give us a call or send us an email! Gillian: teeniors@gmail.com | (505) 600-1297 or Trish: trish@teeniors.com.
*HOME COACHING is one-on-one tutoring in a client's home that is offered to Teeniors' coaches who are 18 and older.
**VIRTUAL COACHING: How does it work?
It's actually pretty fun. We arrange a client to meet with you via phone or video call. You can remain in the comfort of your home or any other location that has phone or internet service. You will speak live with a 5-star rated, experienced, Teeniors® coach, and you can ask for helping with anything you'd like to learn to do with the electronics, like a cell phone, tablet, computer, smartTV, or anything on the internet - such as how to create an account, how to order something online, how to apply for jobs or create a resume, how to text, email, send pictures or use social media. The possibilities are truly endless. Tell us what you want to learn to do! (For those who absolutely need in person sessions, they are currently available with Covid restrictions in Albuquerque and surrounding areas.)
How do I apply to Teeniors®?
First, fill out an online application by clicking above. If your qualifications meet our needs as we conduct our next phase of hiring (for example, right now we're seeking Teeniors coaches who are over 18), we’ll contact you to schedule an interview! Either way, we strive to get back to you with an interview time or response within two (2) weeks of your application submission.
What technology do I need to know?
Any kind that you are comfortable teaching! Every client has different needs. Right now, we need help coaches who understand Windows based systems, Apple, Android and distance-learning software. Our clients are older adults who are in need of help with all sorts of technology, such as learning apps on their smartphones, settings on their devices, or how to navigate websites or the cloud! For older teens/young adults, we sometimes do home sessions that involve setting up Netflix on a Smart TV, an Amazon Echo, or a range of other needs. Occasionally we also get questions on how to connect a printer or work a camera. Most of our teeniors are comfortable with one operating system over another (i.e. iOS versus Android). Your ability to kindly and patiently explain the features of these devices and software programs is what we find most valuable. We do not train you on technology - rather, your knowledge, your kindness, your patience, your personality type, your availability to work, and most importantly, your ability to communicate with older adults in a one-on-one format, is what we are looking for when we select applicants.
What happens after the interview?
After a successful interview and reference check, new teeniors are required to complete the following before becoming eligible for paid opportunities:
- An orientation at our office to discuss the overall mission of our company and the nature of working with older adults.
- A minimum of two (2) hours volunteer coaching time - either in a private session or community event.
- At the orientation, we may conduct role-playing sessions, learn different approaches to solving problems and provide you tips that we've found helpful in our experience working with over 3,000 older adults in NM alone. You will also complete all necessary paperwork including a W-9 and contract agreement.
- For those under 18, please invite your parent or guardian to join you for the interview and orientation as they will need to help you complete the paperwork.
What are the hours?
It’s up to you! (For the most part.) Because Teeniors® is a small business / non-profit and our clientele varies each month, we cannot assign weekly schedules because our workload fluctuates. Some weeks you will have one or more coaching opportunities, others you may have none. You tell us when you're available - we'll tell you when we have work opportunities for you! Hours vary depending on your availability and when a client needs us, or when a group class is scheduled. During your interview, you'll learn more - and we’ll confirm the days and time frames you’re available each week so that you'll be contacted when opportunities come up. Our group events are typically 2-3 hours long and often take place on weekdays. Individual coaching sessions range from 1-2 hours and can be scheduled any day or time of the week at our office, the client's home*, a library, or via video call.**
As a new organization, we certainly cannot offer you the same amount of hours as a large, established corporation (i.e., Starbucks), but as our organization grows, we hope to provide our young people in New Mexico more and more work opportunities. You are very likely to find that your minimal hours worked at Teeniors will also provide tremendous benefits that go far beyond monetary pay.
Can I just apply to be a volunteer? Getting paid is cool, but I have volunteer hours required for school, or am too young to work.
Absolutely! We have great relationships with a number of local schools and are honored that you would like to serve your community in this way. You’ll still need to fill out an online application above just specify "volunteer only" next to your name. If your application meets our needs, we’ll contact you to schedule an in-person interview and orientation. Just make sure to let us know in your application that you're applying to volunteer only.
How do I find out about coaching jobs/opportunities?
Once you’re on our roster as a Teeniors® coach, you’ll receive regular communications advising you about upcoming opportunities.
What’s the difference between group events and individual coaching?
Group events are usually held at a senior center or senior living community, and are currently paused through the Covid outbreak (Instead, we are doing group classes online). But typically in a group event, a team of 6-7 teeniors - and a supervisor who will oversee the workshop - meet at a senior center where you'll be paired up with an older adult to tutor them. Despite it being a “group event”, it is still one-on-one tutoring that takes place simultaneously between multiple pairs. For private coaching sessions, one teenior and one client will be set up for a coaching session in person, or virtually via phone/video. In-person coaching essions with Teeniors' who are under 18 our always take place in the presence of an adult staff member at our office space downtown. For home sessions or other venues (i.e. for coaching on a home computer), teeniors must be be at least 18 years of age.
I understand that if I'm selected, I'll work as an "independent contractor" for Teeniors. What’s the difference between a W-2 tax form (employees) and a 1099-Misc tax form (contractor), and why are teeniors the latter?
Great question! Teeniors® are independent contractors, not W-2 employees. W-2 employees (i.e. working at McDonalds) receive wages that are taxed at the time of issuance and subject to deductions for healthcare, retirement, and Social Security. As such, our company will not deduct taxes from the wages we pay you. You will be a 1099 contractor and thus responsible for paying any necessary taxes on your Teeniors™ earnings at the end of each year. As a small business and non-profit, we handle wages this way because the nature of our work is very fitting for independent contractors. We do not yet have the clientele to support full-time (or even the average part-time) workers, nor do we know at this point how many working hours we can provide you in a given month. So Teeniors™ was established this way from the beginning. You are welcome to ask us questions anytime, and we will explain details of working as an independent contractor at your orientation.
How are we paid?
Teeniors® coaches are paid $10+/per hour for in-office and virtual coaching, and $15 per hour for in-person (Covid safe) home coaching. You'll always be advised in advance about job opportunities based on your availability, and can choose to accept the session or not. Teeniors' coaches keep track of their time in collaboration with our staff, and are paid every month after submitting an invoice. Checks will be mailed to the address you specify, or you can choose to be paid through Paypal, or pick up your check in person.
Anything we haven't covered? Give us a call or send us an email! Gillian: teeniors@gmail.com | (505) 600-1297 or Trish: trish@teeniors.com.
*HOME COACHING is one-on-one tutoring in a client's home that is offered to Teeniors' coaches who are 18 and older.
**VIRTUAL COACHING: How does it work?
It's actually pretty fun. We arrange a client to meet with you via phone or video call. You can remain in the comfort of your home or any other location that has phone or internet service. You will speak live with a 5-star rated, experienced, Teeniors® coach, and you can ask for helping with anything you'd like to learn to do with the electronics, like a cell phone, tablet, computer, smartTV, or anything on the internet - such as how to create an account, how to order something online, how to apply for jobs or create a resume, how to text, email, send pictures or use social media. The possibilities are truly endless. Tell us what you want to learn to do! (For those who absolutely need in person sessions, they are currently available with Covid restrictions in Albuquerque and surrounding areas.)
TEENIORS® RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
2018-2019 "Best of Albuquerque" Honoree - Albuquerque the Magazine
2018 Winner - Comcast NM Business Competition
2018 Emerging Leaders - Santa Fe Community Foundation
2017 Women in Tech Award - New Mexico Technology Council
2017 "Make Better Today" National Winner - Lenovo Computers
2016 Senior Hall of Fame - Silver Horizons NM
2016 Innovation NM Award and People's Choice Award - Albuquerque Business First
2016 People's Choice Award - Aging 2.0 Global Startup Search, Washington DC
2015 InnovateHER Award | "Improving the Lives of Women & Families" - NM Small Business Association
Graduate of Aging 2.0 Global Entrepreneurial Bootcamp
2015 NM Startup Weekend Women Award - 1st Place Team
2018-2019 "Best of Albuquerque" Honoree - Albuquerque the Magazine
2018 Winner - Comcast NM Business Competition
2018 Emerging Leaders - Santa Fe Community Foundation
2017 Women in Tech Award - New Mexico Technology Council
2017 "Make Better Today" National Winner - Lenovo Computers
2016 Senior Hall of Fame - Silver Horizons NM
2016 Innovation NM Award and People's Choice Award - Albuquerque Business First
2016 People's Choice Award - Aging 2.0 Global Startup Search, Washington DC
2015 InnovateHER Award | "Improving the Lives of Women & Families" - NM Small Business Association
Graduate of Aging 2.0 Global Entrepreneurial Bootcamp
2015 NM Startup Weekend Women Award - 1st Place Team