Amber M.A. Onkst is a school counselor and building administrator at Newport Intermediate School in Northern Kentucky, where she has worked for the past eight years with a focus on trauma-informed classrooms and positive behavioral interventions and supports. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Kentucky University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2012 with a certification in public child welfare and recognition as the Outstanding Undergraduate BSW Student. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville in 2015 and had a focus on international social work, spending time studying social work in Nyíregyháza, Hungary, and then earned a School Social Work Certificate from the University of Louisville in 2022. She currently holds licensure with the Kentucky Board of Social Work as a CSW and Educational Professional Standards Review Board as a certified School Social Work. Amber is currently a Social Work Doctoral Candidate at the University of Kentucky, with an expected graduation in May 2025. Her research interests include equitable disciplinary practices in K-12 education, with her capstone focusing on the role of the school social worker in policy development regarding family engagement strategies in K-12 education.
DSW Showcase Student Presentation
Amber Onkst
MSSW, CSW, Certified School Social Worker, Doctoral Candidate
Shifting the Paradigm: Empowering School Social Workers as Leaders in Family Engagement Policy and Practices in K-12 Education
Concentration - Administrative Leadership
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 -
- 9:00 am
Abstract
This presentation critically examines the evolving role of school social workers in shaping family engagement policy and practices in K-12 education. Through a systematic review of current literature, it highlights the predominance of micro-level practices—such as direct service provision—while exposing significant gaps in research and practice related to macro-level policy development. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these gaps limit the capacity of school social workers to influence systemic change.
The discussion emphasizes the transformative impact of family engagement on student outcomes, including academic achievement, behavior, and social-emotional development, with a focus on historically marginalized student populations. Despite evidence supporting family engagement as a critical factor in student success, its implementation remains underutilized in many educational settings.
Finally, the presentation explores actionable strategies for school social workers to shift toward macro-level advocacy and leadership roles. These strategies include policy development, collaborative initiatives with educational stakeholders, and addressing systemic barriers that hinder family engagement. By leveraging their unique skill set, school social workers can champion equitable, inclusive practices that benefit students, families, and school communities. This session provides valuable insights into reimagining the role of school social workers as agents of systemic change, offering practical tools to enhance their leadership in advancing family engagement in K-12 education.