Oy, I've been out of commission due to a baby boy!
With anything (sometimes), it is not what you know, it is WHO you know. The main word of advice from me, NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. Which your pal is doing indirectly through you, but I am sure something will pan out. Good people are hard to find in any industry & any co-worker, past or present, who is on good terms with that pal will help him/her land in another good position soon.
Remember, tell that pal to do their due diligence on a prospective hiring employer. Don't be desperate & snatch up the first offer from the first company. The reason: ask to yourself why this position was open, vacant, or created in the first place. Is the corporate culture a good match? Or simply, "Show Me the Money!" -Jerry MacGuire
Good Luck, I've been there & Done that in terms of the search. It can really suck sometimes.