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Working with an Onsite Captain

Helping Pros Understand what an Onsite Captain is and what that means for them

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Why do I have an Onsite Captain? What are they responsible for?

When Partners post large or more complicated shifts, they can request an Onsite Captain to provide logistical support and facilitate the flow of the shifts so it goes smoothly for you and the Partner.

What logistical support do Onsite Captains provide?

  1. Shift Information:

    1. Because an Onsite Captain is expected to arrive 30-60 minutes before shift start time to find the clock-in location and onsite contact, the Captain can share with other Professionals in the shift group any insights on parking, traffic, or how to find the check-in location.

  2. Clock In and Clock Out

    1. If there is an Onsite Captain on your shift, the Captain will facilitate clock in and clock out instead of having Professionals clock in and clock out using codes.

  3. Time Adjustments:

    1. If you need your clock-in or clock-out time or break length adjusted, ask your Onsite Captain to enter the request or submit it for the Partner’s review.

  4. Real-Time Support:

    1. If you encounter any issues on the shift, ask your Onsite Captain for help; based on their experience, they may have an answer. Only write in to Support if the Onsite Captain says they are unable to help with your issue.

  5. Shift Feedback:

    1. The same way you can provide feedback on other Pros in your shift group, Onsite Captains provide feedback as well.

  6. Wrapping Up:

    1. After the shift, the Onsite Captain touches base with the onsite contact.

How to contact and find the onsite captain?

To contact your onsite Captain through the Instawork app, follow these steps:

  • Open the Instawork app and go to the "My Shifts" tab.

  • Tap on your current shift to view the shift details.

  • Look for the option to message your Onsite Captain directly from the shift details screen. This will send a notification to the Captain.

  • Alternatively, you can find the Captain’s name and phone number in the "on-site contact" section and call or text them directly from the app.

  • If you are unable to find your Captain, select "find my captain" to see their GPS location.

If you're having issues finding and contacting the onsite captain, please reach out to support.

How can I become an Onsite Captain for future shifts?

To qualify as an Onsite Captain, you should work as many shifts as possible, earn 5-star ratings, and ensure your Instawork profile is complete, especially your previous work experience.

Note that arriving late to shifts, failing to meet the Partner’s requirements, getting low ratings, and engaging in any unprofessional conduct or violations of Instawork’s Community Guidelines will make it less likely that you qualify to be an Onsite Captain.

How is an Onsite Captain different from a Shift Lead?

Onsite Captains are a distinct position that Instawork Partners can request for their shifts. Onsite Captains have unique shift responsibilities related to logistical support, and Partners typically expect them to spend 100% of their on-shift time facilitating the shift.

In contrast, a Shift Lead is not a unique role, and Partners do not book Shift Leads. Instead, on shifts with many Professionals or a complicated venue, the Instawork Operations team may choose to open up Shift Lead positions to Professionals. While the Shift Lead does have additional logistical responsibilities, they still have responsibilities associated with the position they booked (e.g., a line cook Shift Lead still works in the kitchen during the shift.)

Will there be someone to guide me at the store?

Some task-based shifts, such as AI Data robotics, require you to pick up equipment. Contact your onsite captain to get your equipment. If you can't reach your captain after trying multiple times, contact support for help.

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