IT Change Management Specialist

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Change Management Specialist position within Information Technology (IT). The position is in the Organizational Maturity section within the Administration and Finance division and performs advanced (senior-level) consultative and technical work. IT is driven by its mission to help HHS serve Texans by providing innovative technology solutions securely, efficiently, and effectively.

Under the guidance of the Manager of Organizational Maturity Director, the Change Management Specialist will focus on the people side of change. This role’s primary responsibility is creating and implementing change management strategies and plans that maximize employee adoption and minimize resistance for key transformation initiatives – including changes to business processes, systems and technology, job roles, and organization structures. The Change Management Specialist will work closely with IT Internal Communications and Organizational Maturity team members on a variety of projects.

The Change Management Specialist will:

• Act as a coach for senior leaders and executives in helping them fulfill the role of change sponsor

• Provide support and coaching to front-line managers and supervisors as they help their direct reports through transitions

• Support project teams in integrating change management activities into their project plans

• Manage a Change Network of individuals across the organization to accelerate positive change adoption

Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Oversees the performance and creation of a holistic people-based change management strategies based on: strategic goals, program/project scope, potential change impact and key stakeholders (25%)

Acts as a liaison with internal areas/departments to create holistic change management deliverables for communications plans, coaching plans, training and development plans, resistance management plans, strategic plans, etc. (15%)

Creates and oversees a network of change agents across the organization to coordinate, improve and stimulate support for major initiatives and strategic plans (15%)

Analyzes trends to identify potential risks, determine anticipated points of resistance, performance gaps and resolves through specific corrective and preventative action plans (10%)

Conducts readiness assessments, evaluates results and presents findings in a clear and logical manner (10%)

Provides ongoing coaching to managers on the principles of change management; globally and on a project-by-project basis (10%)

Supports communication, engagement, and development efforts as needed (5%)

Defines and measures success metrics and monitor change progress (5%)

Performs related work as assigned (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of how people go through a change and the change process

Knowledge of project management approaches, tools and phases of the project lifecycle

Knowledge of facilitation techniques effective with adult learners, or ability to quickly gain this knowledge 

Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) with people with diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization.

Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with others under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization.

Skill in monitoring and assessing situations and determining appropriate responses.

Skill in continuous process improvement.

Skill in creating, deploying and interpreting results from survey software

Skill in being organized with a natural inclination for planning strategy and tactics

Skill in developing presentations and talking points to communicate strategies and plans

Skill in problem solving and root cause identification

Skill in being a team player and able to work collaboratively with and through others 

Ability to assist in evaluating, developing, and revising staff engagement plans.

Ability to operate basic office equipment and audio/visual equipment and to use Windows based programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Ability to work both within a team environment and independently.

Ability to demonstrate good judgment and serve as a model for others in demonstrating the mission, vision, and values of IT.

Ability to convey a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

Ability to gather, organize, and analyze data and enter information into surveying, or skill development software/systems.

Ability to apply active listening skills

Ability to influence others and move toward a common vision or goal

Ability to be flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations

Ability to be resilient and tenacious with a propensity to persevere

Ability to apply a forward-looking holistic approach

Ability to work effectively at all levels in an organization

Ability to respond to requests with a sense of urgency, accountability, integrity and speed

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a college or university with major course work in change management, organizational development or related field required. In lieu of degree, experience and advanced skill in change management or internal communications on a year-to-year basis up to four years.

Minimum three (2) years of experience in conducting trainings, meetings, or workshops preferred.

Minimum two (2) years of experience in creating messages to a variety of audiences preferred.

Minimum one (1) year experience in creating and analyzing surveys preferred.

Experience in establishing and cultivating effective interpersonal relationships preferred.

Experience and knowledge working with Automation and/or AI Tools and/or comfort and willingness to learn and utilize AI and Automation tools preferred.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual. 

• Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

• This is a hybrid position and the selected candidate must be willing to work from an HHS office located in Austin, designated by the hiring manager. 

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.