Veteran CPS Social Worker Shares Her Keys to Helping Students Excel

When Ms. Janet Hund joined the team at Hubbard High School in 2009, it was a full circle moment. She had interned at the school back in 1983. Her career has included different types of social work, but she explains that she likes being at the front end of issues with kids because she’s more easily able to meet them where they are. 

She’s enjoyed working at Hubbard for a number of reasons, including having a supportive administration that sees the value of social work and puts students first. She also has collaborative relationships with her colleagues, especially the school’s interventionists, teachers, and case manager. Mrs. Hund is thrilled to now have a second social worker, Ms. Garcia, in the school who is talented and dedicated. It allows students to receive more time and better services. 

The Hubbard community has appreciated having her as a resource. One parent described her as someone who has helped her child thrive by providing a safe space and the support they needed. 

We interviewed Ms. Hund to learn more about her story. Read more below.

What qualities are most important to being a successful social worker? 
I think it's really important to believe in the kids and families. It has helped to be in the same community for most of my time with CPS so I know the extended families for many of the kids. I also focus on the concept of “seed planting”. That means that I might not see a difference in a student this month or this year, but what we discuss may make a difference later on. 

You have to be really organized. You have to be creative. You have to have a sense of humor. I think I'm funny. I don't know if the kids do, but they go along with it. You also have to think outside the box.

Do you have any goals for this school year in particular? 
I've done more outreach with parents recently, and I have found that that has made a huge difference.  Parents are an important part of each child’s success and want to know what’s going on at school and how they can best help their child. It also gives the parent someone familiar to reach out to if needed.  I try to contact parents once a quarter at a minimum, but usually at least once a month. I try to highlight something positive that their child is doing and always include something personal. 

What advice would you give to a school social worker who is just starting out in their career? 
They should believe in themselves and in their instincts. It can help to reach out to another social worker, even if they just have a question or they're not sure what to do. Sometimes it helps just to think through things. Document, document, document. Be really organized. Be creative. Try to do something new every year. And treat your students the way you would want your child to be treated.

You’ve been with CPS for many years. What comes to mind as some of your favorite memories? 
My favorite thing is when students come back to visit. When that happens, I can see that my seed planting worked. I used to work at an elementary school near Hubbard. Some of the parents who are here, I was their social worker in elementary school. It's such an honor to see them be successful adults.

What is your message to the students you work with? 
They should believe in themselves as much as I believe in them.