Nonprofit Board Members as Job Portal

What role should a nonprofit board member play in helping an associate or friend get a job with that nonprofit?  

I read and at times blog about nonprofits where nepotism is one of the tell-tale indicators that something is going on that shouldn't be.  This of course is most true when the CEO or Chair is using the nonprofit as their employment center, placing their relatives on the payroll and sometimes getting a kick-back on top of this act.  The nonprofit is essentially the "family business".

And what's wrong with this if the family members are appropriately trained and achieving intended outcomes?  Maybe not so much, but many outside the organization would be frowning.

So what about the simple act of a board member putting in a good word for someone who they understand to be qualified.  We know that relationships do matter as a way for many employers to differentiate between one person and another equally qualified job applilcant.

What's your thought?  Is it legitimate for a job seeker to seek the assistance of a nonprofit board member to help position them as an applicant? And in turn, is it legitimate for a board member to "put in a good word" and is that all they can do?