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BrightBee FAQs (for Bees)

Updated

General

  • What is a Bee?
    • A bee is YOU! Bees are the reason we exist and are a critical part of our success.
  • What is a Hive?
    • A hive refers to a geographic area served by Bees (i.e. San Jose, East Cleveland, North Charleston, etc.). Depending on a bee’s location, they may be able to be a part of multiple hives, which we call an “Apiary” (example: Bay Area is an apiary, with its hives including Oakland, San Jose, Peninsula, San Francisco, etc)
  • Where is BrightBee currently operating?
    • Current Locations - This google map shares the current site partners that contract with BrightBee. New partners are added throughout the year as demand for support grows in each hive.

 

Pay/Worker Status

  • What is an independent contractor?
    • Independent Contractors are not employees of an organization.  They are effectively self-employed, and in our case, partner with BrightBee to find work at schools and partner sites.  At BrightBee most of our Bees that accept assignments at schools serve as Independent Contractors. In select states, we’re running a pilot program where some Bees are classified as employees. This program is currently not open to new candidates.

      • BrightBee will not:

        • withhold FICA (Social Security and Medicare taxes) from Contractor's payments or make FICA payments on Contractor's behalf;

        • make state or federal unemployment compensation contributions on Contractor's behalf; or

        • withhold state or federal income tax from Contractor's payments.

      • Per our Independent Contractor Agreement, it is your responsibility to report these earnings as required to pay all applicable income taxes.

      • You will receive a 1099-MISC form if you earned over $600 with BrightBee in the previous calendar year. This will be sent by email as well as paper copy to the mailing address provided during onboarding.

  • What benefits am I eligible to receive?
    • As an independent contractor, benefits are not provided with this role.
  • What is the pay rate/How will I be compensated?
    • You can see specific pay rates for your specific Hive HERE. Note that these rates are subject to change and the BrightBee app will always remain the most accurate source of truth for all assignment pay. You will be paid through your Branch account, which you will set up after you are cleared to work.
  • When will I be paid?
    • Per the terms of your contract, payment will be made within 2 weeks of completing an assignment.  We generally process payments more frequently than that, with payments for all assignments in a week being received by Friday of the following week.
  • Branch payroll system
  • Why is Branch telling me I am setting up a business account?
    • This account is being set up as a result of your independent contractor relationship with BrightBee, so it is a business account.
  • I’m trying to sign up in Branch but it’s saying my email and/or phone number isn’t found?
  • I have questions about Branch. Who should I contact?
    • Account-specific issues (identify verification, setup, disputes, card issues, etc.) should be handled between Branch and the account holder (bee) directly.
  • In-app chat
  • Support form
  • Branch phone number: 956-625-9896 

 

Onboarding

  • I attended orientation, what do I do next?
    • You should have received an email from our clearance team outlining next steps. If you did not, please contact us.
  • Background Checks
    • Where do I go to do my background check?
      • You will be sent specific instructions via email based on your location and the work you are hired to do.
  • Does BrightBee cover the cost of the background check?
    • Yes, we cover the cost. Depending on the state you are working in, it will be via coupon code, direct bill or reimbursement. Your onboarding email will include specific details.
  • I have already been background checked for another educational institution, can I use the results in lieu of completing a new process?
    • No, the background check must be initiated through BrightBee. 
  • How long does the background check take to process?
    • Clearance times vary by state. Typically results are received within 1-4 weeks.
  • How will I be notified that I have been cleared?
    • Our team will alert you via email once you have been cleared and will provide you with more information to begin selecting appointments.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
    • What is a Tuberculosis (TB) test and am I required to do it?
      • A tuberculosis (TB) test is a screening tool used to identify whether someone has been infected with the TB bacteria. Many schools require TB tests to protect students and staff by identifying and treating latent infections before they become active, thus reducing the risk of transmission within the school environment.
      • Each partner we work with has different requirements. If it is needed for your role, it will be reflected in the email we sent you with the subject “Congrats! Next steps with BrightBee!”. 

 

Additional Requirements

  • Mandated Reporter Training
    • What is a Mandated Reporter?
      • A mandatory reporter is an individual legally obligated to report suspected instances of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Schools require mandatory reporting to protect children and ensure that suspected abuse is promptly investigated.
  • How long is the mandated reporter training and do I have to pay for it?
    • Requirements vary by state. The course is free and will be outlined in the email “Cleared To Work - Welcome To The Hive!!”
  • What if I have already completed mandated reporter training for my state?
  • Are there any additional requirements that I need to complete before I can start working at a site?
    • This varies by site and by job type. If additional information is required, we will alert you via email.
  • Other Certifications
    • Am I required to have other certifications to work for BrightBee (i.e. CPR, First Aid, ServSafe?
      • It depends on the position and school partner requirements. If other items are required, you will be notified by our team. However, we are happy to have them on file, even if not required for your position. Please feel free to send your current CPR, First Aid and/or ServSafe certifications to beesupport@brightbee.org.

 

Schedule/claiming opportunities

  • How many hours per week can I expect to work?
    • Available opportunities vary based on the needs of our school partners.
  • Is there a minimum number of hours I need to work per week/month?
    • No, as a Contractor 1099 position there is no minimum requirement of hours. We ask that you communicate your availability and desired amount of hours per week with our team so that we can best accommodate you. Please keep in mind that we are constrained by our school partners’ hours and the school week, including closures for holidays, summer, etc.
  • Will I be able to work weekends?
    • Each assignment varies. The days and hours will be listed on the BrightBee app. Typical hours are before/during/after the school day. Occasionally, there may be weekend work available.
  • What hours of the day will I be expected to work?
    • Each assignment varies. The hours will be listed on the BrightBee app. Typical hours are before/during/after the school day.
  • How will I be assigned work?
    • As an independent contractor, BrightBee will not assign you work. Rather, you will access available listed opportunities for work on the BrightBee app where you can view the hours, location, pay, etc before claiming the opportunity. Additionally, our team will send you an availability survey each week that they will use to help notify you of more immediate (typically day-of) assignments as requested by our site partners.
  • Can I take breaks, vacations, leaves of absences, etc.
    • Yes, claiming assignments is flexible and adheres to your schedule. If you will be unable to work for an extended period of time, please let our team know.

 

Professional Development

  • What additional training or professional development are offered?
    • Upskilling: Check out our Bee Ready Guides for more information about different role types. If you are interested to take a different role than you were hired for, reach out to the Bee Support team to ask if you are eligible! Some role types require additional college credits, background checks, or training permits.
    • Newsletter: You’ll receive monthly updates via the “Monthly Buzz” video newsletter with professional development tips.
    • Hive Hangouts: During our monthly (virtual) Hive Hangouts every 3rd Tuesday of the Month, you'll have the opportunity to connect with other bees. This is a casual, easy way to ask questions, share strategies and resources, and ideas for how to make BrightBee even brighter!

 

BrightBee support

  • We’re here to help! If you have any questions you may contact us in the following ways:

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