Mentor Leader Frequently Asked Questions

Once I have submitted my application what are the next steps?

After submitting your application we will contact you by telephone and schedule a time to conduct an interview at your residence. If the interview is successful and you appear to be a good fit for our program we will provide you paperwork to get fingerprinted. Then you’re DONE!

How long does it take to get matched up with a mentor or a mentor group?

From the time you submit your application until you first meet your mentor usually takes 1-2 months, but could be much sooner.  

What if I have little to no experience with “at-risk” teens?

TeenWorks offers a mandatory “New Mentor Orientation Training” before you are matched with a your mentors.  We seek to offer your support and encouragement throughout your entire mentoring experience.  The bulk of what you do is to encourage and empower mentors and while experience may be beneficial it is not essential.  You will learn and grow throughout the process of your time as a Mentor Leader. 

What role does a “TeenWorks Mentor Leader” play?

A Mentor Leader is designed to provide support, direction, and encouragement for other mentors in the program.  This could be through weekly phone calls, a cup of coffee, or by linking a mentor up with information or services that can help support their mentor/mentee relationship.  As you figure out how to best support your assigned mentors you can structure what your role looks like. 

As a Mentor Leader am I responsible for paying for my mentor when we are doing certain activities together?

No.  It is your decision as to what you may be willing to spend if you do something with your mentor. 

Are there any other time commitment requirements I should know about?

TeenWorks requires a minimum of a one year commitment. The only other time commitment is attending a training workshop twice a year that consists of approximately 1.5 hours of training per session.

I have a criminal history dating back several years ago. Will that disqualify me from becoming a Mentor Leader?

Not necessarily. Know that if you do have a history of arrest(s) and/or convictions, we take care to look at each person individually based on various factors and make a determination.

I have a DUI on my record and want to know if that will disqualify me from becoming a Mentor Leader?

If you have a current driver’s license, automobile insurance, and are not currently on probation we look at each case individually.

I am really interested in becoming a Mentor Leader, but have a varying schedule and sometimes travel or am out of town, which I fear may get in the way of mentoring?

This is often times what keeps many great Mentor Leaders from joining TeenWorks. However, one of the unique things about mentoring one-on-one is making it fit into your personal schedule. You are able to schedule your meeting times/activities/phone calls to fit into your family/work schedule.