RSL Employment Program helps Defence partner find dream job

Shopping for a new career path

After years of uncertainty over what her next career move would be, Defence partner and mother-of-two Janet Bott discovered her calling during a regular trip to her local supermarket. 

“There was a little old lady that had come up to the registers at the same time as me, and she didn’t know how to use the self-checkout, so I asked her if she wanted some help,” Janet recalls.

“I went through the process of swiping, beeping and bagging with her, and she was really appreciative that someone took the time and effort to talk to her and help her do this. I was just a customer of the store as well; I didn’t work there. That event planted the seed for me. 

“That’s what I wanted to do: help people and give them new or improved life skills. Helping gives me a good buzz, and I like the effect it has on someone when I’ve given them what they need to fulfil their own lives or make changes in their world.” 

Prior to that moment, Janet had worked in odd jobs across hospitality, remote work, and volunteering, due to the posting lifestyle that comes with being a Defence partner. Her husband has served in the RAAF for 35 years, and together with their two children they have moved between Adelaide, Port Stephens, Brisbane and Richmond for his postings. 

“It’s hard when you’re moving states, constantly being upheaved and never sure what’s going to happen next. But you need to look at it with the mindset that each posting is a new adventure,” Janet says. 

Armed with this positive attitude, Janet decided to press on with her dream. 

The next step 

Driven to pursue a new career path, Janet enrolled in a Certificate III, followed by a Diploma of Community Services. While Janet was still studying, a friend recommended the RSL Employment Program, through which she was connected to Employment Consultant, Chanel. 

“Chanel agreed that a role helping people would be perfect for me, and she could see that I’d already done that in many different ways in past roles, so the job search steamrolled from there,” Janet says. 

“We looked at a few jobs, which fell through because they weren’t right for me, but then this job came up with the Endeavour Foundation. I had no idea that this type of job existed, and it was the best thing ever. 

RSL Employment Program Consultant Chanel, who helped Janet find her dream job. 

Within hours of Chanel submitting her application, Janet was preparing for a phone interview, which turned into a job offer just a few days later. In July 2024, Janet began her new role as a Disability Support Officer with Endeavour Foundation’s Defence Assistance Program (DAP) – a milestone she attributes to the support she received from Chanel and the RSL Employment Program. 

“RSL are the best at what they do because they’re aware of the situation we all go through. If you go through a standard employment service, they don’t appreciate the nuances that go with it, whereas RSL know the circumstances and they’re more sympathetic, caring and understanding.” 

Landing the dream job 

Janet now plays a vital role as a Disability Support Officer with Endeavour Foundation’s Defence Assistance Program (DAP), where she empowers individuals with disabilities to build life skills and contribute meaningfully within Defence and everyday civilian environments.  

Over the past year, Janet has worked between Amberley Air Force Base and Gallipoli Army Barracks, helping Defence Service Assistants (DSAs) feel confident at work and complete tasks for Defence units. The team supports jobs like cleaning, handling documents and preparing food, with the goal of helping participants find employment in the outside world. 

“Seeing my team succeed is the best part of my job. Seeing anyone succeed is great, but in a lot of cases it’s harder for them to do things than it is for someone who doesn’t have a disability to begin with,” Janet says. 

“Hearing them say, ‘I can do that, and I don’t need your help; I’ve got this because it’s my job’ is such an amazing feeling.” 

Today, Janet couldn’t be happier in her new role and believes that making the best of every situation has contributed to this success. 

“Make sure you bring your best self to everything that you do in a job environment. I’m moving to a new state. I’m meeting new people. I’ve got new opportunities. I’ll find a new job. Don’t sit at home and wallow; go find community groups online and in person. Get involved and make a difference because that’s how you’ll be able to find what you need.”