# Staff reference check form

Source: https://backpr.com/resources/templates/staff-reference-check-form. Last updated: 2026-11-06.

A call script and notes form for checking a job candidate's references before you hire camp, after-school or childcare staff.

Free download: PDF https://backpr.com/media/templates/backpr-staff-reference-check-form.pdf · Word https://backpr.com/media/templates/backpr-staff-reference-check-form.docx

> Call each reference yourself. Ask the same questions for every candidate, and write down what you hear, not your impressions.

**Candidate**
- Candidate's name: ______
- Position: ______
- Checked by: ______
- Date: ______

**Reference**
- Name: ______
- Organization: ______
- Relationship to the candidate: ______
- How long and when they worked together: ______
- Phone or email: ______

**Questions**
- What was the candidate's role, and what did they do day to day?: ______
- Did they work with children? What ages, and how did they handle the group?: ______
- Tell me about a time they handled a difficult situation with a child or a parent.: ______
- How reliable were they about showing up on time and following rules?: ______
- How did they work with other staff and take feedback?: ______
- Is there anything that would concern you about them working with children?: ______
- Would you hire them again? Why or why not?: ______

**Result**
- [ ] Recommends
- [ ] Recommends with concerns (explain below)
- [ ] Doesn't recommend
- [ ] Couldn't reach after two tries
- Notes: ______

### How to use it
- Check at least two references, and make one of them someone who saw the candidate with children.
- If a reference won't answer the question about concerns with children, note it and ask another reference.
- Keep reference notes locked up with the hiring file.
- Reference checks don't replace the background checks your state requires.

**What questions should you ask a camp counselor's references?**
Ask what the person did, how they worked with children, how they handled a hard moment, how reliable they were, and whether anything would worry the reference about them working with kids.

**How many references should a youth program check?**
At least two, and three is common. Make sure one saw the candidate working with children.

Free to use and change, but not legal or medical advice. Check your state's licensing rules and your insurer's requirements, and have a lawyer review any consent or waiver language.