Social Work Career Spotlight: Social Work Case Manager

Carlie Sauntry participated in KU’s Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program, earning her MSW only a year after graduating from KU with her Bachelor of Social Work in 2023. Sauntry is still with KU, now working at the University of Kansas Health System Addiction Clinic.

At the addiction clinic, Sauntry does case management to find work, housing, insurance and more for patients. 

Sauntry also works to get patients on the clinic’s grants. These grants include two Kansas Fights Addiction grants and one State Opioid Response grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

What does a typical day of work look like for you?

Every day is different. Some days, I will have a ton of grant appointments. Providers will refer patients to me, so sometimes my days just look like me meeting patient after patient to get them on the grant. … Some days I meet with patients and I do one-on-one therapy sessions. Those can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

What do you find most rewarding about your current job?

In a field that can often feel discouraging, sometimes it makes it all worth it just to hear that one patient is thankful that we exist and are able to provide a service for them that is beneficial.

What made you want to be a social worker?

I'm adopted, so that’s something that feels like a lot of fire in me and makes me feel passionate about social welfare. I think my background is one huge part of it, and also, I think social work fully encompasses my views and values as a person. … 

I always thought I'd want to be doing something with psychology or trying to understand why people are the way they are. But social work is the perfect blend of all of the little things: of psychology, of therapy, of doing social justice, of being an advocate. It's all combined into one thing that I felt really passionate about.

Tell us about your favorite class from the BSW program – what was it and why is it your favorite?

[Juliana Carlson’s] class that I took on the criminal justice system. I've always really appreciated her outlook … on human rights and the criminal justice system and how it's OK to address the problems and just have the freedom to be able to discuss … current issues that were going on.

Where did you complete your BSW practicum and what kind of work did you do there?

I was at Sunflower Elementary School, and I worked with the school counselor. I had a caseload of students that I saw while I was there. We worked on different social emotional skills and very basic play therapy things. I also responded to a lot of crisis intervention calls within the school.